The Liberian government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has ordered the closure of more than 30 shops and stores in Monrovia and nearby areas for engaging in ‘unjustified price increases’ on essential commodities. Making the disclosure Monday, February 2, 2026, when she spoke during the Monetary Policy Communiqué Meeting at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Commerce Minister Magdalene E. Dagoseh said she personally inspected businesses and observed an arbitrary increase in prices, specifically on rice.
Dagoseh observed during her inspection that the price of a 25-kg bag of rice increased from US$14 to US$14.50 without justification from the affected businesses. The Commerce Minister frowns at such action by business owners, adding that it undermines price stability and further the economic hardship faced by Liberians.
Dagoseh fell short of naming the ‘dishonest’ businesses bent on arbitrarily increasing the prices of goods. She noted existing challenges within the Ministry of Commerce and stressed that regular inspection and enforcement measures are ongoing. She warned that businesses found increasing prices arbitrarily or refusing to display price tags will face fines or closure, in line with the government’s regulations.
