The Government of Liberia has warned importers and distributors of petroleum products against arbitrarily increasing prices amid the crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Ministry of Information, Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the government is closely monitoring global developments, including the geopolitical tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, which have contributed to instability in the international oil market.
He emphasized that the current global situation should not be used as a justification for local businesses to exploit consumers through unjustified price increases.
“The government will not tolerate any attempt by unscrupulous businesses to exploit the current global situation to the detriment of the Liberian people,” Minister Piah said.
The Information Minister’s warning follows the release of a March 2026 price circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC).
He said, despite the rise in global oil prices driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed Brent crude above US$92 per barrel, the Liberian government has taken steps to cushion the impact on the domestic market.
Under the current pricing structure, gasoline remains stable at approximately US$4.02, or about LD 755 per gallon; Diesel, however, recently experienced a temporary adjustment of US$0.55 due to international market pressures, bringing the retail price to around US$4.33, or roughly LD 810 per gallon.
Minister Piah urged Petroleum dealers to strictly comply with the approved price structure, adding that inspectors will be deployed nationwide to ensure adherence to the regulations.
