Sierra Leone Government Lowered Pump Prices of Lubricant Product

By Abdul Rahman Bangura –

Photo credit: Unsplash

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS ( NABN ) Freetown, Sierra Leonne- The Government of Sierra Leone has announced a reduction in the pump prices of petroleum products, following the recent fall in prices of the same at the world market.

The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) in a general announcement on Wednesday April 8th, 2020 expressed that, the cost for fuel is presently Le7000 per liter, signifying a Le1, 500 rebates from the last price.

‘‘Following recent developments in the international market of petroleum products, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), have jointly examined the pump prices of petroleum products to reflect the movements in the plats and foreign exchange rates,’’ according to the report.

Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency – Brima Baluwa Koroma, shared with the press that, the decline of the price of petroleum lubricants is a fraction of the government’s action to ease the economic and social drawbacks on Sierra Leoneans amidst the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus malady.

‘‘Our policy with regards to Petroleum products in Sierra Leone is contingent on the global market price, so it’s formulated to be rethought at the end of each month in injunction to pursue worldwide best practices. As the world price shifts, we regulate to guarantee that, Sierra Leoneans are offered the best of service,’’ Koroma clarified.

This is the second time the government has curtailed the pump prices of fuel in the space of a month. Last month the government announced a reduction of pump prices from Le 9000 to Le 8,500. Shortly after the proclamation, the Ministry of Transport also surveyed transportation prices. Transportation price from diverse points was also lessened from Le 1,500 to Le 1,200. In ranges where passengers are anticipated to pay Le 2,500, they will now pay Le 2,000.

This message by the Transport Ministry was gone in advance, by requesting the reduction of passengers in the marketable vehicle.

Alpha Amadu Bah – Chairman for the Sierra Leone Motto Drivers and General Transport Union let out that, they were happy with the contemporary tariffs, primarily at a time the passengers of vehicles are reduced.

‘‘We will ensure that our drivers follow the new transports fares to the letter because these measures are geared towards fighting COVID-19 and this involves the safety and security of all,’’ the Union’s Chairman remarked.

1 US Dollar = 9,742.50 Leone – April 08/ 2020

Current Outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease- Coronavirus advisory information, World Health Organization & United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. Source- WHO

who.int/emergencies

Coronavirus Q&A, World Health Organization

who.int/news-room

Coronavirus condition overview, World Health Organization

who.int/health-topics

United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov