By Ben TC Brooks | River Gee Correspondent
Southeast Liberia | March 19, 2026 | Residents in Southeastern Liberia and parts of lower Nimba County are grappling with a steep and unregulated increase in gasoline and fuel prices. The situation is being exploited by local street retailers who are charging well above government-approved rates.
The surge follows a recent adjustment in petroleum prices announced by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company – LPRC. The revised pricing took effect on March 14, 2026, in line with the official monthly petroleum pricing circular.
Authorities attributed the adjustment to persistent pressures in the global oil market, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted supply chains and driven up international fuel costs.
According to the government’s pricing framework, the approved ceiling for gasoline is set at US$4.59 per gallon in wholesale and US$4.87 per gallon, retail, equivalent to approximately L$910.00. Diesel/fuel oil prices were fixed at US$5.50 per gallon wholesale and US$5.78 per gallon retail, or about L$1,080.00.
These rates are based on the Central Bank of Liberia’s exchange rate of L$187 to US$1, aimed at stabilizing the market and ensuring nationwide supply. But reports from across the southeast indicate widespread noncompliance.
In River Gee County, gasoline prices have reportedly surged from L$800 to as high as L$1,600 per gallon, while diesel is being sold from L$1,000 and L$1,800.
Similar trends are being observed in Maryland and Grand Gedeh counties, where gasoline prices range from L$750 to L$1,400 per gallon, and diesel has climbed to approximately L$1,500. In Tappita District, lower Nimba County, gasoline is reportedly sold between L$1,250 and L$1,350 per gallon.
The sharp rise in fuel and gas costs has triggered a corresponding increase in local transportation fares, placing significant strain on residents. Many commuters, including students and workers, say they are forced to walk long distances due to unaffordable transport costs, which they say has worsening economic hardship, with their daily livelihoods being severely affected.
River Gee County Commerce Coordinator, Robert Bestman, acknowledged the price increases and expressed concern. He assured residents that action would be taken upon his return from Monrovia, where he is currently sourcing supplies from the central office.
As fuel and gas prices continue to exceed regulated limits, citizens and residents are calling for urgent intervention from both national and local authorities to enforce pricing regulations and protect consumers from exploitation.
