-Says to Offset Budget Shortfalls
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian government announced today it will reinstate a combined 25-cent surcharge on petroleum products beginning May 1, 2025, following high-level consultations between key economic agencies.
The decision, jointly signed by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), will implement: 20-cent fuel surcharge, an additional **5-cent** storage fee
Officials attributed the move to sudden reductions in Official Development Assistance (ODA) from international partners, which has created funding gaps in critical sectors: Healthcare programs, Education initiatives and Agricultural projects.
“This forms part of broader fiscal measures to stabilize revenue streams while maintaining essential services,” stated the government release.
According to the government, the l policy emerged from consultations with: Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Liberia Petroleum Refining Company
and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Public Cooperation Urged
Acknowledging potential impacts on consumers, the statement appealed for public understanding:
“We greatly solicit and appreciate citizens’ cooperation as we strengthen our national economic development agenda.”
The surcharge revival comes as Liberia joins other developing nations seeking alternative financing mechanisms amid global aid fluctuations. Market analysts suggest the measure could generate approximately $X million annually for public coffers.
