Bong County Senator Prince Moye Hails President Boakai for Endorsing Petroleum Pricing Reforms
september 9, 2025
Monrovia: Bong County Senator Prince Moye has expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, for he termed as endorsement and implementation of the Senate’s recommendations on petroleum pricing, a move he described as a courageous step to protect consumers, increase government revenue, and fund critical national programs.
According to senator Moye, the Senate’s joint committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Public Accounts conducted a detailed investigation into Liberia’s petroleum storage fees, which had long been a source of unfair charges on consumers and unchecked benefits for a few private operators.
The committee which is chaired by the Bong County senator recommended adjustments that were later reviewed and endorsed by the President, who ordered their implementation. “If you see me thanking the president, it is because many reports in this country often die in drawers when powerful people are connected. But this time, President Boakai mustered the courage and said, ‘Go ahead and implement this,’” Moye declared.
Senator Prince Moye Spoke Tuesday September 9, 2025, at a press conference in Monrovia.
Lower Fees, New Revenue StreamsThe Senate had recommended a storage fee of 10 cents per gallon, but after further investigation, the President set the fee at 5 cents — a decision Moye welcomed as “the beauty of democracy.” He said the reform will not only lower costs passed on to consumers but also generate new revenue streams for the government.
From September to December 2025, Liberia is projected to import more than 50 million gallons of petroleum products. Under the new pricing structure, Moye explained, the government will raise approximately US$1 million to support social programs, including the procurement of essential medicines for vulnerable groups such as HIV and tuberculosis patients, who were previously supported by the now-departed UC health program.
Additionally, the revised fees are expected to generate US$4.5 million within the same four-month period to sustain county-level road equipment, with annual projections reaching US$16.6 million.
“This is why I am happy. We identified a revenue source that will not only impact the national budget but also touch the lives of our people — through health services and rural infrastructure,” Senator Moye said.
Courage Against Powerful Interests
Senator Moye admitted he was surprised that President Boakai endorsed the recommendations despite resistance from influential figures in the petroleum industry. “In the past, individuals could lobby to kill such reports because of their vested interests. But President Boakai stood his ground. That is why I am thankful he gave the Legislature the appetite to do its work,” Moye noted.
He added that the reforms mark a new chapter in governance, where legislative investigations translate into executive action. “We don’t have enforcement power as lawmakers — we can only recommend. But when the President takes those recommendations seriously and acts on them, then the people benefit,” he emphasized.
Wider Market Impact
Beyond petroleum, Senator Moye said the President’s leadership has already influenced reductions in the prices of basic commodities such as rice, sugar, flour, and eggs. He praised Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who chaired the price stabilization committee, for resisting pressure from powerful business interests.
“Liberians don’t want to suffer anymore. What we are seeing is a government that is taking bold steps to protect ordinary people from exploitation,” Moye stated.
Looking Ahead
The senator also disclosed that the Legislature will open new investigations into rental incomes from private petroleum storage facilities, ensuring that all revenues due to the state are collected by the Liberia Revenue Authority.
On behalf of his colleagues, Senator Moye reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to working with the Executive to strengthen accountability and boost domestic revenue. “Thanks to President Boakai for listening and acting. This is how we build a society where everyone benefits, not just a few,” he concluded.
