Senegal Cuts Officials’ Travel as Oil Prices Surge

Senegal has imposed strict limits on foreign travel for government officials, banning all non-essential trips as part of emergency spending cuts driven by soaring global oil prices.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said the government is moving to curb public expenditure after a sharp rise in energy costs linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions that have disrupted global supply chains.

Like many African nations, Senegal relies heavily on imported petroleum products, leaving its economy vulnerable to external shocks. Recent disruptions in key shipping routes have pushed crude prices far beyond initial budget projections.

Sonko noted that the national budget had been based on oil prices of around $62 per barrel, but current prices have nearly doubled, placing significant pressure on public finances.

As part of the austerity measures, the government has canceled multiple official trips, including planned visits to Niger, Spain, and France, in an effort to prioritize essential spending.

The move reflects broader challenges facing energy-importing economies, as rising fuel costs continue to strain budgets and force governments to adopt tighter fiscal policies.