As Motorists Foam About Unstable Gasoline Costs:

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in consultation with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), announced another reduction in the prices of gasoline, and fuel oil on the market.

Government took the decision to restore gasoline, and fuel oil prices to their pre-Iranian-American war levels, which were largely affected by an ongoing maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting nearly 20 percent of global oil and natural gas.

In a joint statement issued on July 7, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce disclosed how the pump price of gasoline has been reduced by US$0.06, while fuel oil has been reduced by US$0.20.

Under the new price ceilings, gasoline will retail at L$890, or US$4.88 per gallon, whilst fuel oil will be sold at L$1,105, or US$6.05 per gallon.  

According to a release, the latest adjustments mark the second reduction in the prices of the country’s two most widely used petroleum products in nearly a month. 

To prevent hiking in prices, undercutting, and hoarding by importers on the local market, the Ministry noted that it will monitor the approved prices through its inspectorate team. 

“The inspectorate team of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will be closely monitoring the approved ceiling prices to avoid an arbitrary hike in the pump prices of gasoline and fuel oil on the local market.”

Despite the reduction, motorists, and commercial tricycle operators said, gasoline price remains inconsistent across Monrovia, with pump and roadside prices varying from one location to the other.

The Commercial Tricycle and Motorbike operators, claimed that a half gallon of gasoline is being sold for between L$450 and L$500, while a full gallon of gas ranges from L$880 to L$950 depending on the filling station, or roadside vendor, also known as “can boy.”

“Right now, the gas price is not stable; some places you go they will sell the smallest mayonnaise jar for L$250, or L$260 while some areas are for L$230,” a motorcyclist said. 

Another motorcyclist explained: “The price at the filling station is different from the “can-boy,” making it difficult for us. At the filling station, we purchase a gallon of gasoline for L$905, whilst roadside vendors are selling it for L$880.”

They attributed the persistent price disparities to “inadequate market monitoring, and enforcement by the Ministry of Commerce.”

According to them, government needs to strengthen inspections across the country, and ensure that filling stations, and roadside vendors comply with the officially approved price ceilings.

Gasoline and fuel oil are the primary petroleum products used by vehicles, and remain a key factor, including transportation fares, and the overall cost of doing business.