MONROVIA, Montserrado – Liberia’s Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Isaac Jackson, said the government is working on reducing the price of petroleum products, in line with the fall in global oil prices. However, he said he is not sure whether the reduction in oil prices on the Liberian market will trickle down to ordinary Liberians.

Currently, the price of a barrel of oil is sold on the world market below US$ 30, half of what it cost last year.

In an exclusive interview, Jackson said the Ministries of Commerce and Transport were working to allow ordinary Liberians to benefit from the drop in oil prices. He, however, had his reservations about whether it can be accomplished.

“A few groups of disingenuous taxi drivers who even with the minimal price of gasoline on the local market still want to keep the price of transport very high,” Jackson added.

A gallon of gasoline is sold in Liberia for US$2.91 and L$260 while a gallon of diesel is sold for US$2.78 and L$250.

“We are looking forward to having honest business people and taxi drivers reduce the transport fare thereby reducing the price of goods and services in the country,” Jackson said.

Omaru Sheriff, a Local Taxi Driver. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Taxi driver Omaru Sheriff disagrees with Jackson that whenever there is a reduction in the price of the oil, transportation fare should also be reduced.

“We the drivers do not only need gasoline and fuel to maintain our vehicles,” Sheriff said. According to him, spare parts are very expensive, and this is one issue that is never taken into consideration by passengers rather all they talk about is gasoline and fuel prices.

Omaru said the government should also make sure that the prices of auto parts and other commodities are reduced on the Liberian market. He said if this is done, taxi drivers will have no reason to increase transportation fares.

Drivers in Monrovia routinely charge more than the government-mandated fares, with little to no enforcement by authorities. A typical trip between Duport Road Junction and Broad Street would cost L$80, as opposed to the L$60 legal fare.

Mahammed Massaley, Motorcyclist. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Mahammed Massaley, a 17-years-old motorcyclist, said he looks forward to seeing the prices of gasoline and diesel reduced on the Liberian market.

He said if the government reduces the price of the oil on the market, he and other motorcyclists will reduce their fares.

Victor Gobnima, a private driver. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Victor Gobnima, a private driver, said the reduction in the price paid at the pump is long overdue, stressing that “the government should have immediately reduced the prices of gasoline and fuel about a week ago.”

Victor noted that due to the high economic hardship in the country, ordinary drivers are compelled to commercialize their vehicles.

“Liberia is a country where there is no price control, and we are still waiting on the government to announce the reduction in the commodities due to the drop in oil globally,” Gobnima said.

Mark Williams, Tricycle Operator. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Mark Williams, a tricycle operator, told The Bush Chicken that he would like to see the government reduce the price of gasoline from L$260 to L$125 per gallon.

When asked why such a drastic reduction in the price of the commodity should be mandated by government, Mark said business is not always favorable for him.  He believes a reduction in the price of gasoline and fuel could help others earn something for themselves at the end of the day.

“If the government reduces the prices of spare parts, we will also be compelled to reduce the transportation fares,” Williams argued.

Jackson also said the drop in oil prices was making it less likely for companies to want to explore for oil in Liberia. He said this should concern many Liberians and citizens of other African countries who seek to explore for oil.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah