The price motorists in Seychelles would ordinarily be paying at the pump has already surpassed SCR 30 per litre as international fuel prices continue to rise amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Yet, through continued government intervention, the impact on consumers has been significantly softened, with the State continuing to absorb part of the increase so that households and businesses are shielded from the full force of global market conditions.
Cabinet has now approved an Accelerated Recovery Framework to transition from emergency fuel price intervention measures to a more sustainable commercial pricing model. As part of the framework, domestic mogas and gasoil prices will increase by approximately SCR 2 per litre, alongside targeted support measures designed to protect vulnerable users while ensuring the country's long term fuel security.
The decision represents the next phase of a carefully considered strategy and was not taken overnight.
Since international fuel prices began placing pressure on the economy, the government has consistently encouraged the public to become active partners in reducing national energy consumption. Through sustained sensitisation campaigns, households, businesses and public institutions were urged to adopt more energy efficient practices to lessen the country's fuel demand and mitigate the impact of rising import costs.
Recognising that awareness alone would not be enough, the government followed its appeals with practical measures.
One of the first initiatives introduced was Energy Conservation Fridays, encouraging public officers to work from home where possible. The objective was to reduce daily commuting, lower fuel consumption and decrease electricity usage across government offices.
When the response did not produce the desired level of savings, the government strengthened its approach by introducing earlier closing hours for the public service, with offices ending the working day at 2.30 p.m. The measure sought to reduce electricity consumption, operational costs and fuel use associated with transport, while contributing to broader national energy conservation efforts.
These initiatives reflected the government's commitment to exhausting practical alternatives before adjusting domestic fuel prices.
Despite these efforts, the continued escalation of global fuel prices has made it increasingly difficult to sustain emergency intervention measures indefinitely. Cabinet therefore approved a gradual and carefully managed adjustment of approximately SCR 2 per litre, rather than transferring the full international cost to consumers in a single increase.
Even with the adjustment, the government continues to absorb part of the global price shock. Without this intervention, consumers would already be paying more than SCR 30 per litre at service stations. Instead, the phased approach continues to cushion households and businesses from the full impact of international fuel markets while allowing for a gradual transition towards sustainable pricing.
The announcement has been met with a largely understanding response from members of the public. Speaking to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), several motorists acknowledged that the increase was not unexpected, pointing to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its effect on global fuel prices. Many recognised that these are external factors beyond Seychelles' control and accepted that the country, like many others, must adapt to changing international market conditions.
At the same time, some expressed disappointment that the increase had become unavoidable, noting that higher fuel costs would inevitably place additional pressure on household budgets and reduce the amount families are able to save. Others observed that fuel has become a significant monthly expense and feared the adjustment would further tighten personal finances.
Meanwhile, Cabinet noted that the Accelerated Recovery Framework is intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of the Seychelles Petroleum Company (SEYPEC), safeguard the country's fuel security, preserve its capacity to maintain strategic fuel reserves and invest in critical fuel infrastructure.
At the same time, targeted support measures will continue to assist vulnerable groups as Seychelles progressively moves away from emergency fuel price support introduced during the height of the global energy crisis.
The phased approach reflects the government's broader strategy of balancing immediate relief for consumers with long term economic resilience, ensuring that today's measures protect both the welfare of the population and the country's energy security for the futu