LPRC to Resume Petroleum Imports After 40 Years to Ensure National Fuel Security

June 16, 2025

In a landmark announcement, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) has revealed that it will begin importing petroleum products for the first time in 40 years. This bold move aims to establish strategic national fuel reserves and significantly enhance Liberia’s fuel security. The news was disclosed by LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh during an exclusive appearance on CLASS Reloaded, a popular national broadcast. Tweh outlined the company’s renewed commitment to ensuring the availability of fuel during times of crisis and strengthening Liberia’s energy infrastructure. “For four decades, Liberia has relied solely on private importers for petroleum products. This has left us vulnerable to external shocks and supply chain disruptions,” Tweh explained. “By reentering the import space, LPRC is reclaiming its mandate to safeguard national fuel supplies and guarantee price stability for Liberians.”

This strategic shift is part of a broader modernization and resilience agenda underway at LPRC, including the rehabilitation of storage facilities, the implementation of transparent procurement systems, and stronger regulatory oversight. Over the past year, the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and other key stakeholders, has been working behind the scenes to create the policy and logistical framework necessary for LPRC’s re-entry into the petroleum import market. With these pieces now in place, the company is preparing to receive its first shipment of petroleum products by Q3 2025.

The establishment of a national fuel reserve will enable Liberia to maintain at least 90 days’ worth of strategic petroleum supply a critical buffer in times of global price spikes, supply chain disruptions, or natural disasters. “This is more than just an operational update,” said Tweh. “It is a declaration that LPRC is ready to fulfill its national responsibility. We are building a safer, more secure future for Liberia, one drop at a time.” Public reaction has been largely positive, with analysts and civil society groups lauding the move as a long-overdue step toward national self-reliance in the energy sector. As the first shipment approaches, LPRC has promised regular updates and consultations with the public and the private sector to ensure transparency and cooperation. Founded in 1977, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company is a state-owned enterprise responsible for managing the storage, distribution, and regulation of petroleum products in Liberia. With this historic return to petroleum importation, LPRC is reaffirming its role as a cornerstone of national energy security.