Liberia minister nominee promises price transparency
Stephen M. Yekeson Jr. pledges to publish weekly prices for rice, fuel, and cement in all 15 counties within 100 days.
Liberia's acting Commerce and Industry Minister Designate Stephen M. Yekeson Jr. told senators on Wednesday that he will publish weekly prices for rice, fuel, and cement in all 15 counties within 100 days. Yekeson also pledged to protect consumers and enforce Liberian-only business sectors. He aims for Liberia to produce more of what it consumes by 2029.
Yekeson admitted that prices have continued to rise despite a stronger Liberian Dollar, which closed September at L$172 to US$1. Small traders report wholesalers still price stock at L$190 to the dollar, a gap of nearly 12 percent. A Senate probe found diesel prices rose 47 percent between October 2024 and September 2026.
The minister nominee plans to review pricing with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) and ensure regulated prices reflect import costs, duties, transport, and a reasonable margin. World rice prices have increased by about 67 percent on the year, hitting a 26-month high in early October.
Why it mattersLiberians will see weekly prices for essential goods like rice, fuel, and cement, helping them manage household budgets.