Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines has announced an upward adjustment in fuel prices for May 2026, attributing the increase to rising international petroleum costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In a press release issued on 1st May, the ministry confirmed that petrol (MS) will now sell at D112.00 per litre, while gasoil (AGO) has increased to D120.00 per litre. Jet fuel (kerosene) is also set at D133.72 per liter.
According to the ministry, the price hike follows its routine monthly review of global petroleum market conditions, with current increases largely influenced by higher Platts prices and disruptions in global supply chains for refined petroleum products.
“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 statement noted.
Despite the upward adjustment, the government says it has taken measures to cushion the impact on consumers.
It revealed that subsidies amounting to D350.1 million were provided following the April fuel price review, with an additional D185 million allocated for May. This brings the total subsidy for the two months to over D500 million.
The ministry further disclosed that other cost components within the fuel pricing structure, including depot throughput charges, importer margins, and the fuel marking levy, have been reduced to mitigate the burden on the public.
While reaffirming its commitment to supporting households and businesses, the government cautioned that sustaining such high levels of subsidy is not viable in the long term, as it places significant strain on public finances and limits investment in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The ministry emphasized that The Gambia is facing similar challenges as other countries in the subregion and globally, all grappling with volatility in the petroleum sector.
It assured the public that fuel pricing adjustments are conducted through a transparent process guided by international market trends and domestic economic considerations.
The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines reiterated its commitment to ensuring national energy security while working to minimize the impact of global market fluctuations on the Gambian population.
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