A major policy shift in Liberia’s petroleum pricing structure has sparked political and business tensions, with lawmakers and industry figures taking sides over the government’s recent directive to drastically reduce storage fees for private fuel terminals.
In a show of support for the new framework introduced by the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County publicly declared his endorsement of the pricing changes.
“We stand BY and WITH LPRC on the latest storage/pricing charges. Yes, we do! This was an initiative of the Senate for the common good,” Dillon said in a statement released Saturday.
The directive, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on September 3, 2025, mandates a restructured set of per-gallon charges for fuel storage and distribution. The new model is intended to strike a balance between affordable pump prices and sustainable investment in national fuel infrastructure.
The revised fee breakdown includes:
Storage Fees (All Terminals): $0.05
Road Fund (LRA): $0.30
Counties’ Road Equipment Support (LRA): $0.09
Government Social Program: $0.02
Inspectorate and Maintenance Fee (LPRC): $0.06
Vessel Discharge Fees (LPRC): $0.08
Testing Handling Fees (LPRC): $0.07
Importers’ Margin: $0.14
Retailers’ Margin: $0.20
While the total structure represents an attempt to rationalize fuel pricing, the most controversial component is the drastic reduction in storage fees paid to private petroleum terminals — slashed from $0.35 to just $0.02 per gallon. Critics argue the move disproportionately benefits the state-owned LPRC, while financially squeezing private sector operators.
One of the most vocal critics is Musa Hassan Bility, CEO of Srimex Oil and Gas Company, who condemned the decision as unfair and anti-competitive. Bility claims the move undermines private investment and favors LPRC’s dominance in the market.
Senator Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County has thrown his support behind Bility, expressing solidarity in a personal message that appeared to blend business concerns with spiritual encouragement.
“We stand united with you and the Srimex family during this challenging time. Allah has a purpose for everything, and remember that both triumph and distress are temporary, as our faith reminds us. Stay strong! Your community and friends are with you, my brother Musa Hassan Bility. Jummah Mubarak,” Konneh said.
The contrasting positions from Dillon and Konneh reflect a broader debate unfolding between state-led economic interventions and the role of private enterprise in Liberia’s fuel sector.
