By Aruna Goepogui
September 17, 2026
Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel Sando says rising global crude oil prices, production constraints and disruptions along major shipping routes are driving up the cost of importing petroleum products and putting additional pressure on consumers in Liberia.
Speaking Thursday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Deputy Minister Sando said the international petroleum market remains volatile, with Brent crude recently trading above US$100 per barrel amid disruptions affecting global oil supplies and transportation.
According to Sando, the increase in crude prices has also pushed up the cost of refined petroleum products, particularly gasoline and diesel, with the impact being felt in several markets across the United States, Europe and Africa.
He said Liberia is particularly vulnerable to changes in international oil prices because the country relies heavily on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand.
Sando noted that fluctuations in global crude prices, shipping costs and the availability of refined products can directly affect Liberia’s petroleum market and contribute to higher costs for consumers.
He said the impact of the current global market conditions is already being felt in Liberia, including increased pressure on the domestic supply of petroleum products and retail fuel prices.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that maintaining a reliable supply of petroleum products requires continued coordination among the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Commerce, petroleum importers and other relevant stakeholders.
He added that the government will continue to monitor developments in the international oil market, including crude prices, shipping routes, product availability and national petroleum stocks.
Sando indicated that the monitoring is intended to help the government anticipate potential disruptions and work with stakeholders to maintain a stable and reliable supply of fuel on the Liberian market.
