Freetown – The Ministry of Trade and Industry has introduced a revised pricing framework for both wholesale and retail cement across Sierra Leone, responding to sustained increases in import and production costs driven by international market turbulence.
In an official public notice, the Ministry attributed the latest price adjustments primarily to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has pushed up global energy prices and significantly raised freight and other importation expenses.
To cushion the impact on consumers while ensuring adequate supply, ministry officials said they have been actively consulting with cement importers and private sector players. Following a fresh review of current cost structures, the government has now fixed new maximum prices.
New Wholesale Prices
– Imported Cement (42.5R): NLe 175 per bag
– Local Cement (32.5R): NLe 165 per bag
Retail prices have been adjusted on a district-by-district basis to account for varying transportation costs. The Western Area (including Freetown) will see the lowest retail ceilings, while districts farther from the main ports will have higher caps.
Revised Maximum Retail Prices by District:
– Western Area: Imported NLe 205 | Local NLe 195
– Port Loko: Imported NLe 220 | Local NLe 210
– Makeni: Imported NLe 222 | Local NLe 212
– Kambia: Imported NLe 222 | Local NLe 212
– Tonkolili: Imported NLe 223 | Local NLe 213
– Bo: Imported NLe 225 | Local NLe 215
– Moyamba: Imported NLe 227 | Local NLe 217
– Kenema: Imported NLe 230 | Local NLe 220
– Kono: Imported NLe 233 | Local NLe 223
– Kabala: Imported NLe 233 | Local NLe 223
– Pujehun: Imported NLe 235 | Local NLe 225
– Bonthe: Imported NLe 237 | Local NLe 227
– Kailahun: Imported NLe 240 | Local NLe 230
– Karene: Imported NLe 245 | Local NLe 235 (highest in the country)
The Ministry emphasized that these are maximum prices and urged retailers to avoid any unjustified mark-ups.
It also reassured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation closely, conducting periodic reviews in collaboration with producers and importers to balance affordability with supply stability.
The government said its overarching goal remains ensuring that essential construction materials like cement remain available at reasonable prices to support ongoing development and private sector activity nationwide.
