By Alusine Fullah The Government of Sierra Leone through the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and oil Marketing Companies has agreed to increase the prices of petroleum products in the country from Le22, 000 to Le25, 000. The new pump prices will be effective today 1st August 2023. The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) made this announcement in a press release issued this evening. Under the new adjustments, the pump prices for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and fuel oil has been set at NLe25. 000 for the public. This decision comes in response to the recent surge in international refined petroleum prices and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. Market prices for fuel have risen by over 20% since the last review, prompting the need for adjustments. Despite these increases, the government has made efforts to alleviate the burden on consumers in the retail market by continuing to provide substantial fuel subsidies. Additionally, the policy remains in place for commercial up-lifters to pay in USD, with strict monitoring to ensure compliance. The authorities aim to maintain stability in the petroleum sector amidst the prevailing challenges. An increase fuel price is not new in Sierra Leone. It happens all the time; every few months or so, Sierra Leone experiences a fuel crisis with the attendant rise in food prices, transport, “blackouts”, water shortage and a government left with egg on its face.
S/L Parliament Announces Date for State Opening Sixth Parliament
In a public notice that was released on the 1st August, 2023, the Sierra Leone Parliament announced the official date for the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. The public notice states: The Office of the Clerk of Parliament wishes to inform Hon. Members of Parliament and the General Public, that the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone by the President of Sierra Leone, Brigadier Retired Dr. Julius Maada Bio, will take place on Thursday 03/08/2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chamber of Parliament, Tower Hill, Freetown. Pursuant to Subsections 1, 2 & 3 of Section 84 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991), His Excellency, President Bio will officially proclaim the commencement of the First Session of the Sixth Parliament and then proceed to present his First Address to Parliament on the state of the nation after the conduct and conclusive outcome of the June 24th General Elections by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone The following measures have been pronounced for the purpose of the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament on Thursday 03/08/2023: 1. Only invited guests will be allowed to access the precincts of Parliament; 2. No bags or backpacks will be allowed; 3. Vehicles and persons will be screened or searched thoroughly before gaining access to the precincts of Parliament; and 4. Any other measures that maybe activated as situations required. Hon. Members of Parliament and Invited Guests are required to attend and on time.