Transportation across Liberia was partially paralyzed on Monday, August 18, 2025, as commercial drivers staged a nationwide go-slow action in protest against ‘harassment’ from police officers and the sharp increase in prices of gasoline and fuel. In Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Bong counties, commuters were left stranded at bus stops and junctions as taxis and commercial buses remained off the streets.
Speaking with our reporter at Barnersville junction on the Japan Freeway, one of the drivers said they could no longer endure the “daily maltreatment” from police officers, coupled with the economic burden of skyrocketing petroleum prices. The driver explained, “We are tired of being harassed and extorted by the police while at the same time struggling with fuel prices that keep going up every week.”
He narrated that the strike action is the only way to send a clear message to the government. “We are tired of the police harassment. They give us tickets without advice. We are giving more money to police officers every day,” the driver claimed.
Commercial drivers stated that the price of gasoline has surged in recent weeks, with a gallon reportedly being sold above the government’s regulated price in some areas. Also, they explained that the increase in gasoline and fuel prices, spending on police officers and paying for tickets have slashed their earnings, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
Some passengers, who stood under the heavy downpour of rain on Monday morning at Barnersville junction, expressed frustration over the abrupt disruption of services, but empathized with the drivers’ grievances. “We understand their pain, but the government needs to act quickly because ordinary people are the ones suffering most,” said a stranded commuter in Barnersville. As the strike entered its first day, tension grew in some parts of the city, with angry commuters demanding urgent government intervention to restore normal transport services.
