Senegal bans officials’ trips as oil crisis hits budget

The government of Senegal has ordered an immediate suspension of all non-essential foreign travel for ministers and senior officials, citing “extremely difficult” economic conditions triggered by soaring global oil prices linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.

The disruption comes as Iran’s effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz has destabilised global energy markets, pushing Brent crude prices sharply higher and putting pressure on national budgets worldwide.

Speaking at a youth event in the coastal city of Mbour on Friday evening, April 3, Prime Minister Usman Sonko reported that oil prices have reached approximately $115 per barrel — almost double the $62 per barrel projected in Senegal’s 2026 budget.

“No minister in my government will travel abroad unless it is for an essential mission directly connected to their official duties,” Sonko said. He added that he had already cancelled scheduled trips to Niger, Spain, and France.

Governments in West Africa and around the world are responding to the crisis with measures including fuel price increases, subsidies, and shifting employees to remote work. Sonko described these steps as necessary given Senegal’s existing debt obligations.

Additional measures are expected to be announced next week. The Minister of Energy and Mining is scheduled to address the nation in the coming days, providing details on strategies to alleviate the impact of the oil price surge.

By Tamilla Hasanova