AYV News, March 6, 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone has announced a nationwide suspension of all existing and pending applications for the construction of gas stations, citing growing concerns over the rapid proliferation of unregistered and unauthorized fuel facilities.
The directive was issued by the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), which said the decision forms part of measures aimed at restoring order and strengthening safety and regulatory compliance within the petroleum sector.
According to the Authority, all gas stations currently under construction without proper registration have been ordered to immediately halt operations. The NPRA warned that many of the facilities currently being developed across the country are operating in violation of established suitability guidelines, safety regulations, and fair trade practices.
The regulatory body emphasised that during the period of the suspension, it will neither accept nor review any new applications for the construction of fuel stations.
Officials explained that the moratorium will allow the Authority to conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing compliance frameworks and ensure that fuel station developments adhere strictly to national safety standards.
Particular attention, the NPRA said, will be placed on ensuring that fuel stations are constructed at safe and appropriate distances from sensitive public facilities such as residential communities, schools, places of worship, health-care centres, swamps, road rights-of-way, and entertainment venues.
The Authority further warned that any violation of the directive—especially the continuation or commencement of construction during the moratorium—will be considered illegal and will attract appropriate enforcement actions.
The NPRA described the move as one taken in the public interest, urging construction companies, Oil Marketing Companies, and fuel dealers to fully comply with the directive in order to avoid regulatory sanctions.
The suspension is expected to remain in force while authorities review the regulatory environment governing petroleum retail infrastructure across Sierra Leone.
