Senegal bans government travel as Iran war oil shock hits public financesSenegal’s government has suspended all non-essential foreign travel by ministers and top officials, warning of “extremely difficult” times ahead as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran drives global oil prices higher, straining the nation’s budget. Addressing a youth event in the coastal town of Mbour on Friday evening, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko pointed to oil trading at about $115 a barrel, nearly twice the $62 per barrel assumed in Senegal’s budget projections. Governments across the West African region and globally have scrambled to respond to the crisis with measures including fuel price increases, subsidies, and remote work. Sonko cited such measures as justification for debt‑laden Senegal’s own steps. He said additional measures would be announced next week, with the Energy and Mines Minister expected to address the nation in the coming days to detail efforts to mitigate the impact of the price shock.

Source: Daily Nation April 06, 2026 13:21 UTC