By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, February 4. 2026: Mounting public anger over rising fuel costs has taken a political turn as Dr Richard Konteh, flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of misleading Sierra Leoneans about the true extent of the recent pump price increase.
Konteh dismissed the regulator’s claim that only Le1.10 was added to the fuel price, branding the explanation “false and deceptive.” He argued that the actual increase is over Le3 per litre, far higher than what the NPRA has admitted.
According to Dr Konteh, before the official adjustment, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were already selling fuel at Le25 per litre, even though the NPRA had refused to formally review or announce the reduced price. With the new pump price now set at Le28.50, he insisted that the increment is significantly greater than the regulator’s figure.
“Government should be transparent about the fuel price increase. The increment is above Le3, not Le1.10 as being claimed. The public is being misled,” Konteh said.
He further challenged the justification for the hike, noting that traditional drivers such as Platts pricing are not evident in the current situation. He also pointed out that the exchange rate has remained relatively stable over the past year, weakening arguments that currency volatility necessitated the increase.
Excise Tax Burden
Konteh blamed the excise tax on petroleum products as the real driver of rising fuel costs, arguing that it is inflicting unnecessary hardship on ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
“This increase has nothing to do with global prices or exchange rates but everything to do with the government’s desperation to raise revenue,” he asserted.
Criticism of Government Spending
The APC aspirant went further to criticize what he described as excessive presidential travel, suggesting that public funds could be better managed to ease economic pressure on citizens.
“If the government truly wants to use its resources for the benefit of the people, the President should cut down on this excessive travel,” Konteh said.
His comments come amid growing frustration among traders, drivers, and commuters, who warn that the fuel hike will worsen transportation costs and deepen the cost-of-living crisis.
As pressure mounts, critics are increasingly calling on the NPRA and the government to provide honest explanations, review fuel-related taxes, and adopt policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Recent Fuel Price Hike
- Petrol: Increased from NLe 25 → NLe 28.50 per litre
- Diesel: Increased from NLe 25 → NLe 28.50 per litre
- Kerosene: Adjusted to NLe 26.76 per litre
- Fuel Oil: Adjusted to NLe 25.98 per litre
- Effective date: 28 January 2026
- Applies nationwide to all oil marketing companies (OMCs) and consumers
NPRA’s Argument for the Increase
The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has defended the hike, presenting several key points:
- Minimal Increase Claim: NPRA insists the adjustment is only Le1.10 per litre, not the Le3+ claimed by critics.
- Global Market Costs: Prices are derived from international Platts pricing benchmarks and global petroleum market fluctuations.
- Cost Recovery Model: The new pricing structure follows a full cost recovery framework, ensuring subsidies are removed and outstanding costs are reflected in the formula.
- Domestic Economic Factors: NPRA highlights excise taxes, road user fees, and other government-imposed charges as part of the pricing formula.
- Transparency: The Authority maintains that the pricing process is inclusive and transparent, involving multiple institutions such as NPRA, NRA, Maritime Administration, and the Ministries of Trade and Finance.
The NPRA frames the January 2026 fuel price hike as a necessary, modest adjustment driven by global market realities and cost recovery. However, opposition voices, led by Richard Konteh, insist the increase is far greater and rooted in government taxation policies — a debate that continues to fuel public discontent.