Fuel Price Rises to Le28.50 per Litre, Sparking Public Outcry
The pump price of fuel has increased to Le28.50 per litre, up from the previous Le25 that had been voluntarily maintained by oil marketing companies, a development that has triggered widespread concern among commuters and the general public.
The latest hike follows an earlier drop in international fuel prices, during which oil marketers independently reduced the pump price to Le25 per litre. At the time, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) declined to officially adjust the approved pump price, insisting that market forces should be allowed to regulate pricing within the sector.
However, industry analysts attribute the current increase to persistent volatility in the global oil market, coupled with exchange rate instability and rising importation costs. Despite these explanations, passengers and transport operators argue that the timing of the hike is particularly harsh given the country’s fragile economic situation.
Commuters have expressed frustration, noting that higher fuel prices almost immediately translate into increased transport fares, placing additional strain on already stretched household incomes. Many passengers say the increase will further limit their mobility, affect productivity, and worsen the cost of living, especially for low-income earners who rely heavily on public transportation.
Civil society groups have also criticized the fuel hike, calling on the government and the NPRA to adopt more proactive measures to cushion the impact on citizens. They argue that without regulatory intervention, fuel price increases will continue to fuel inflation, drive up food prices, and deepen economic hardship across the country.
