The Inquirer
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

Posted June 3, 2004

TODAY, IMPORTERS OF petroleum products are expected to meet with the management of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) to discuss a number of issues relative to the petroleum industry in the country. It has also been gathered that the Vice Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), Mr. Wesley M. Johnson will participate in the deliberations.

IT IS ENVISAGED that during today’s deliberation, reports about the increase of prices on petroleum products on the world market will be paramount on the agenda. Also, it is expected that at the end of the meeting the price of petroleum on the local market would be determined to the satisfaction of all parties, thereby, avoiding any additional burden for consumers.

TODAY’S MEETING BETWEEN the NTGL, the LPRC Management and Petroleum Products importers, is taking place at a time when there are reports that the prices of this strategic commodity have increased on the world market and therefore, its availability on the local market in a few days may run very low if nothing is done to address the price issue relative to the local market.

FOR US, WE take serious interest in this issue because petroleum products are pervasive commodities in that any miscalculated increase of prices would have an adverse effect on the general price level of the country, as such would affect other prices. This is why we welcome today’s meeting.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE are concerned about reports that the commodity could run out of the market soon if nothing is done to stimulate its importation. With the increase of its prices on the international market gradually affecting the local market, we hope that today’s meeting will produce a fruitful result in the interest of the nation.

WE WANT TO call on the government to play the role of a twin mother so as to see a major breakthrough. The Government of Liberia must seek and protect the interest of the consumers, while at the same time protect importers or businesses to ensure a continued availability of the commodity on the local market.

AGAIN, WE STRESS that whatever decision is reached today, must avoid any additional hardship on the Liberian people and at the same time, ensure the supply of the commodity on the market.

LET THIS ISSUE be handled with meticulosity. Laconically, it should be handled with extreme care. “A stitch in time, saves nine.”