By John Brima
More than 90% of Sierra Leoneans remain dissatisfied despite recent fuel price reductions, with 81% saying they are “strongly dissatisfied”, according to a public opinion poll released by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI).
The survey suggests that recent reductions in fuel prices have done little to ease the economic pressures facing households, as citizens continue to grapple with high transport costs, rising food prices and the increasing cost of other essential goods.
CHRDI said the findings demonstrate that the government’s current measures have failed to provide meaningful relief to ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
According to the poll, 90.5% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, including 81% who described themselves as strongly dissatisfied.
Only 5.7% said they were satisfied, while 3.8% remained neutral.
The organisation said the results show that the public remains deeply frustrated despite the fuel price adjustments.
“At a time when families are already struggling with the rising cost of transport, food and other essential goods, minor fuel price reductions cannot be presented as adequate relief,” CHRDI said in a statement.
“The public has spoken clearly: the burden remains severe, and the current response does not match the scale of the crisis.”
The organisation urged policymakers, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to move beyond what it described as superficial adjustments and adopt measures that directly address the country’s escalating cost-of-living crisis.
Among its recommendations, CHRDI called for greater transparency in the fuel pricing mechanism, meaningful economic interventions to reduce the high cost of living, and policies that reflect the concerns of ordinary citizens.
“True relief requires bold action, not minor adjustments,” the organisation said. “We urge immediate steps toward a fair economy that protects the dignity and survival of the people.”
The government has maintained that fuel prices are determined by international oil market trends, the exchange rate and other economic factors.
However, CHRDI said its latest survey indicates that a large majority of Sierra Leoneans believe the recent price reductions have not translated into meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
The findings come amid growing public concern over the rising cost of living, with many households continuing to struggle to afford transportation, food and other basic necessities despite recent adjustments in pump prices.
