The government has announced that fuel prices have been increased for May 2026 following a review of international market conditions, citing rising global costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines said petrol will now sell at D112.00 per litre, diesel at D120.00 per litre, and jet fuel at D133.72 per litre.

The ministry said “the increase is primarily driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed Platts prices higher and disrupted the supply chain and logistics of refined petroleum products globally.”

The Ministry acknowledged the impact on households and businesses, noting that the government has introduced subsidies to ease the burden.

It said over D350 million was provided following the last price review, with an additional D185 million allocated for May, bringing total subsidies for April and May to over D500 million.

The statement added that some components of the pricing structure, including importer margins and certain levies, have been reduced to cushion the impact.

However, the ministry warned that such levels of subsidy are difficult to sustain.

“Subsidy levels at this scale are unsustainable, as they strain public finances and constrain investments in key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure,” it said.

The government noted that The Gambia is not alone, with many countries facing similar pressures in their petroleum sectors.

It added that fuel price adjustments are based on a transparent review process guided by international market trends and domestic economic realities, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding national energy security.

By Adama Makasuba