By Hajaratu S. Bangura
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, has assured citizens that the government is closely monitoring global supply chain disruptions and their potential impact on essential commodities, particularly fuel.
Speaking during the weekly government press conference in Freetown on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Minister explained that recent global tensions and disruptions in international supply chains have contributed to rising fuel prices worldwide.
According to Minister Sesay, Sierra Leone, like many other countries, depends largely on imported petroleum products and other commodities, making the country vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market. “The world is interconnected and when disruptions occur in global supply chains, their effects are felt across many countries, including Sierra Leone,” he said.
The Minister noted that the government is engaging oil marketing companies and other stakeholders to ensure that there is adequate supply of petroleum products in the country while preventing artificial shortages and price manipulation.
He further disclosed that the country currently maintains sufficient petroleum stocks that can sustain national demand for several weeks, providing assurance that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages.
“As a government, our responsibility is to ensure that there is stability in the supply of essential commodities and to protect citizens from exploitation,” he said.
Minister Sesay also emphasized that long-term economic resilience will require Sierra Leone to increase local production and manufacturing, which will help reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imported goods.
He encouraged continued collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and regulatory agencies to safeguard the national economy amid ongoing global uncertainties.
