By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
The Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, has assured Sierra Leoneans of steady fuel availability despite mounting global pressures, stating that the country currently maintains significant petroleum reserves and improved storage capacity.
Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Miatta Conference Centre Tuesday, 6th May 2026, Koroma said government interventions and cooperation with private importers are helping to cushion the effects of the ongoing global energy crisis.
He revealed that storage is “no longer a challenge,” noting that government has provided facilities with a capacity of 10,000 metric tons, alongside approximately 6.8 million litres of petrol will be available by mid May.
“We still have large reserves, and Sierra Leone does not consume crude oil but refined petroleum products,” Koroma explained.
Koroma attributed the current strain on fuel pricing to escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, describing the situation as “one of the most difficult times in the world.”
According to him, these global disruptions have led to a sharp rise in fuel costs, with prices increasing by over 100 percent, placing significant pressure on Sierra Leone’s small, import-dependent economy.
The NPRA Director General disclosed that government is currently spending approximately $2.6 million monthly to stabilize the sector and protect consumers from further shocks.
He noted that regulators have reviewed the frequency of fuel price adjustments as part of broader efforts to strengthen price stability.
“We have tried to strengthen the pricing mechanism to make petroleum products available while managing the impact of rising global costs,” he said.
Koroma highlighted the complexity of managing a petroleum sector that is entirely driven by private importers and distributors, whose operations are largely profit-oriented.
He explained that despite these challenges, authorities continue to engage industry players to ensure consistent supply and fair pricing.
Providing further reassurance, Koroma disclosed that Sierra Leone currently holds strategic reserves estimated at 58 days of diesel and 45 days of petrol—levels he said are comparatively high within the sub-region.
He added that the NPRA, in collaboration with importers, has ensured nationwide availability of petroleum products.
“We want to assure the public that fuel is available across the country,” he emphasized.
Koroma stressed the importance of transparency in maintaining public trust, noting that the NPRA is committed to providing accurate and balanced information to counter misinformation.
He also called on the media to play a constructive role during the crisis by disseminating factual and comprehensive reports.
Drawing comparisons, Koroma noted that while some countries have experienced unrest due to rising fuel prices, Sierra Leone has maintained relative calm.
He cited measures taken elsewhere, including energy-saving restrictions in Egypt, fuel stockpiling in China and the Philippines, and public holidays declared in Sri Lanka to manage energy demand.
He concluded by thanking consumers, importers, and the government for their patience and cooperation during the challenging period.
“We appreciate the resilience shown by Sierra Leoneans and the petroleum sector in maintaining stability despite global pressures,” he said.
