Liberian authorities are finding it difficult to end the petrol shortage in the capital, Monrovia and other parts of the country, as long queues are still being formed at local petrol stations while other pumps are empty.
This situation is in its second week now and the scarcity of this important commodity has now claimed the attention of Lawmakers at the Capitol Building.
The shortage of petrol has led to the hike in price by some local dealers on the streets, while those who manages to get some at the filling stations can purchase it at the official price of six hundred and fifty Liberian dollars. The current exchange rate in Liberia is one US dollar to 195 LD.
House Spearker Dr. Bhofal Chambers has set up an Ad-hoc Committee to Probe the ongoing shortage of Petroleum Products on the Liberian market.
A press release from Speaker Chambers office issued on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 says the committee was constituted by the Speaker, following the appearance of Commerce and Industry Minister, Wilson Tarpeh and the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), Marie Urey Coleman on Tuesday, February 04, 2020.
The committee is mandated to report to Plenary in one week period. Members of the committee are; Honorable Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, Chairman, Honorable Jeremiah K. Koung, member, Honorable Alexander Poure, member, Honorable Emerson Kamara, member, Honorable Alfred Koiwood, member, Honorable Yekeh Kolubah, Honorable Clarence Gahr, member, Honorable Richard N. Koon, member, Honorable Edward Karfiah, member, Honorable P. Mike Jury, member and Honorable Dixon Sebo, member. Other are; Honorable Kanie Weso, member, Honorable Jimmy Smith, member, Honorable Dorhwon Twain Gleekie, member, Honorable Byron Zehwea, member, Honorable Abu Kamara, member, Honorable Ellen A. Etton, member, Honorable Maima Mensah Briggs, member, Honorable Nagbe Sloh, member, Honorable Isaac B. Roland, member and Honorable Johnson Gwaikolo, member.
Last week, the Commerce Ministry and the national petrol company, LPRC said enough supply of the commodity had arrived in Liberia to last for one month.