From fuel to wheat, the invasion of Ukraine is already having a potentially devastating effect on prices across Africa.
In Sierra Leone, a West African country with a population of roughly 8 million people, the maximum cost of a litre of fuel went from 12,000 leones (93c) per litre to 15,000 (€1.16) on Thursday.
“As the geopolitical situation deteriorates in Europe, supply disruption[s] continue to hike oil prices, adversely affecting importing nations,” said Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Regulatory Agency.
The statement announcing the changes said the decision had been taken in consultation with the ministry of finance, ministry of trade and industry and oil marketing companies. Public transportation fares subsequently rose by roughly 25 per cent.
“It’s really difficult here,” said Salifu Bai Kamara, a keke taxi driver in Freetown. He raised his fares, but said many can’t afford them.
“Some people cannot pay, and some people beg,” he said.
— source irishtimes.com | Sally Hayden | Mar 20, 2022
