DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — West African nation Senegal has prohibited government ministers from taking non-essential overseas trips as the country grapples with budget pressures stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict’s impact on global energy markets.
The nation depends heavily on imported petroleum products for its energy needs, making its economy susceptible to disruptions in global oil supply chains. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused crude oil prices to skyrocket, creating significant financial strain.
Speaking on Friday, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced his administration was implementing measures to reduce government spending, noting that the country’s original budget calculations were based on oil costing $62 per barrel — a figure that has nearly doubled due to the Iran conflict.
“I have taken a number of drastic measures to restrict everything related to government spending, including the cancellation of all nonessential missions abroad,” Sonko told the state-run Le Soleil newspaper.
The Prime Minister revealed he has already called off multiple planned trips, including visits to Niger, Spain and France.
“No minister in my government will leave the country except for an essential mission,” Sonko stated.
The dramatic increase in fuel costs has intensified existing economic challenges across the African continent, where millions of people already struggle with poverty. Many residents now find themselves unable to afford transportation to their jobs or even basic meals due to the rising energy expenses.
