Bicycle enthusiasts within Port Loko city have conveyed their significant discontent with what they perceive as an ongoing escalation in fuel costs. They believe that this continuous rise is leading to considerable financial burdens for them.
This response comes subsequent to the government's declaration of a revised fuel pricing structure, which has surged from Nle 25 to Nle 30.
In a conversation with a correspondent from Sierraloaded, Alimamy S Kamara, a cyclist situated at the Focus point park, emphasized that this new pricing has had a profound impact on him, to the extent that he is contemplating returning his bike to its owner. He mentioned that the current circumstances yield no benefits for them, leading to conflicts with their bike owners.
Abubakarr Dumbuya, another rider at NP, expressed, “This sudden change took us by surprise, as we were not given any advance notice. We find this situation disheartening and are urging for a reduction in the fuel prices.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Santigie Bangura from Central or Baibureh park voiced his concerns that the current state of affairs has resulted in a significant reduction in commuters, leading to substantial financial losses for the cyclists.
Furthermore, many others have expressed comparable viewpoints, also noting the closure of petrol stations, which in turn grants an upper hand to street vendors, compounding the existing issues.
The chairman of the motor drivers union and several drivers from the district declined to comment on the matter, stating that they are not consulted prior to any price increments. They expressed their frustration that their opinions conveyed through the media go unheard and fail to yield any positive outcomes.