Government Raises Pump Prices, Keeps Waka Fine Fares Unchanged

The Government of Sierra Leone has increased the pump prices of petrol and diesel, with the new rates taking effect nationwide from Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Petrol will now sell at NLe40.00 per litre, while diesel will cost NLe45.00 per litre. The adjustment comes amid fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations, which the Government attributed to several Oil Marketing Companies reducing or stopping sales at some stations.

According to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, global petroleum prices have continued to rise, partly due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its impact on international oil markets.

The Government said consumers will not bear the full cost of the increase under the current pricing formula. Without government intervention, petrol would have risen to NLe41.04 per litre and diesel to NLe46.76 per litre. The Government will absorb the difference through subsidies to cushion consumers from the full impact of the adjustment.

The new prices are also intended to address recent supply disruptions, restore normal fuel availability, and ease shortages and queues across the country.

Meanwhile, Waka Fine fares will remain unchanged, with the Government covering the additional fuel costs to prevent an immediate increase in public transport fares.

Beyond the immediate price adjustment, the Government said it is accelerating measures to strengthen its role in the petroleum supply chain, including fuel importation, storage, and wholesale supply. The measures are aimed at improving fuel security, strengthening market stability, and reducing Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to future external supply and price shocks.

The latest intervention therefore combines a pump price increase with government subsidies and public transport support, while efforts continue to address fuel shortages and strengthen the country’s petroleum supply system.