Labour Congress Calls for Further Fuel Price Cuts, Citing Limited Public Relief

Labour Congress Calls for Further Fuel Price Cuts, Citing Limited Public Relief

The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has criticized the government’s recent reduction in fuel pump prices, arguing that the adjustment serves the interests of the oil and gas industry more than those of the average citizen. The union is now pushing for a deeper price cut, calling for fuel costs to be lowered to between NLe28 and NLe30 per liter.

The criticism was voiced by Edward Y. Kamara, Deputy Secretary General of the SLLC, during an appearance on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone. While the Labour Congress acknowledged the government's initial decision to lower prices, Kamara contended that the move has failed to provide meaningful financial relief to the public.

“This reduction was made in the interest of people in the oil and gas business and not in the public’s interest,” Kamara said.

He highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by many Sierra Leoneans, noting that the current cost of fuel remains prohibitively expensive for commuters, workers, and households struggling with rising living costs.

“We are already having the challenge of not buying complete fuel, and now we are faced with the challenge of buying fuel at a high cost,” he explained.

The SLLC has consistently advocated for a pricing model that more closely reflects fluctuations in international crude oil prices. By adjusting pump prices to better align with global market realities, the union argues that the government could significantly ease the financial strain on the local economy.

As economic pressure persists, the Labour Congress is urging authorities to reconsider the current pricing structure and take additional steps to support businesses and citizens who continue to grapple with the high cost of transportation and essential goods.