In the past few days, residents of Freetown and other parts of the country, particularly commercial bike riders and drivers, have faced significant challenges due to a shortage of fuel.
In an interview with Osman Jalloh, a young bike rider whose livelihood depends on town services, he shared the hardships he and others have endured during this fuel crisis.
“Riding has been very difficult these days because there is a fuel scarcity at the filling stations,” Jalloh explained. He highlighted the challenges of spending hours at filling stations, sometimes leaving with only one litre or none at all.
Jalloh detailed the economic strain on bike riders, including increased expenses, difficulties in refilling, and challenges in negotiating new transport fares with passengers. He noted that some passengers resist the adjusted fares, leading to decreased business for the riders.
Concerned about the impact on their daily earnings, Jalloh urged the government to intervene and address the fuel shortage. He emphasized the collective plea of bike riders and drivers in Kambia District, urging authorities to find a swift resolution to their plight.
As the fuel shortage persists, residents hope for a prompt solution to alleviate the challenges faced by those who rely on transportation services for their livelihoods.
The scarcity of fuel has raised questions among Sierra Leoneans about the absence of other major fuel companies in the market. Many are left wondering why these companies have not stepped up to address the pressing need for fuel in the country.
Calls have been made to the Petroleum Regulatory Agency and the government to investigate the cause of the shortage and ensure that measures are taken to alleviate the situation. The reliance on a single company for fuel supply has sparked concerns about the stability and efficiency of the fuel distribution system in Sierra Leone.
