By Joseph Momoh Conteh

Claim: Increase in petroleum pump price starting Sunday 25th June, 2023.

Verdict: False

Full Text

A notice has been circulating on various social media platforms, claiming that there will be an increase in petroleum pump price starting from Sunday, 25th June 2023. The notice, which was widely shared on the 23rd of June 2023, reads:

“On Sunday, Fuel Pump Price is Nle 30… So vote wisely for a better Salone. Vote Dr. Samura Kamara.”

Screenshot of the Notice

Methodology

To verify the claim, our team delved into the matter, leaving no stone unturned. We sought official statements and engaged with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Ministry’s Response

According to a press release issued on Friday, 23rd June 2023, by Dr. Hinga Sandy, the Minister of Trade and Industry, the public was urged to dismiss the fake notice claiming an impending increase in petroleum pump prices. The Ministry categorically stated that there are no plans for such an increase, neither in the present nor the foreseeable future. The Minister further exposed the notice as a malicious creation by opposition party operatives seeking to discredit the government ahead of the elections.

Conclusion

Based on the Ministry’s official statement, we can confidently conclude that the claim of an impending fuel price increase is false. The notice circulating on social media is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and manipulate their perceptions.