An opposition Member of Parliament, Hon. Ben Alpha, has strongly criticized the Government of Sierra Leone following the recent increase in fuel prices, describing the move as a burden on already struggling citizens.

In a statement reacting to the adjustment, Hon. Alpha said the increase in petrol prices from Le32 to Le35 per litre and diesel from Le35 to Le40 per litre represents what he termed “a direct slap in the face of struggling Sierra Leoneans.”

He acknowledged ongoing global tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which have contributed to rising fuel prices internationally, but argued that such circumstances should compel governments to protect their citizens rather than impose additional hardship.

According to the opposition lawmaker, several countries are implementing measures such as tax reductions and relief mechanisms to cushion the impact of global fuel price increases. He, however, accused the Sierra Leonean government of shifting the burden onto ordinary citizens while presenting the intervention as a subsidy.

“Instead, here in Sierra Leone, the government hides behind the word ‘subsidy’ while quietly transferring the burden to ordinary citizens,” he stated, questioning who truly benefits from the policy.

Hon. Alpha further emphasized that increases in fuel prices have far-reaching consequences, including higher transportation costs and rising food prices, which he said disproportionately affect market women, commercial bike riders, and low-income families.

He called on the Government to provide what he described as honest and people-centered solutions, stressing the need for measures that would ease the economic pressure on citizens rather than worsen it.