Sidiki Fofana
Chief Executive Officer
Truth in Ink
Monrovia, Liberia
August 2, 2025
Mr. Amos Tweh
Managing Director
Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC)
Monrovia, Liberia
Dear Mr. Tweh,
Subject: Request for Clarification on LPRC’s Reported Involvement in Fuel Importation
I present my compliments and write to inquire about an issue of growing national concern. But first, allow me to commend you for the dignified and professional manner in which you have managed the affairs of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC). Your leadership has been favorably noted by individuals across political and institutional divides, including many employees of varying political affiliations.
Particularly commendable is your principled departure from the unfortunate trend among some senior officials who have reportedly targeted individuals for dismissal or unjustified transfer based on perceived political affiliation. Your inclusive and non-discriminatory approach to management has not gone unnoticed.
However, Truth in Ink, a media platform I lead in partnership with various local print and online outlets, has observed with interest and concern reports that under your stewardship, LPRC has now ventured beyond its traditional role as a storage and logistics facility to actively engaging in the importation of petroleum products. This apparent shift, if accurate, would place the LPRC in a dual role, both as a service provider and a market player, raising critical questions about market balance, fairness, and national economic impact. While many Liberians are eager to understand the implications of this move, especially its potential impact on private importers and the larger economy, we write to you directly in the spirit of responsible journalism, transparency, and constructive engagement.
We therefore respectfully request clarification on the following:
- Legal Basis:
What specific legal or regulatory framework authorizes the LPRC to engage in the direct importation of petroleum products, beyond its traditional role of storage and distribution?
- Operational Plan:
What is the scope of this importation initiative in terms of volume, cost, and distribution? Will the imported products target nationwide supply or specific regions?
- Employment and Recruitment:
Will this expansion create new employment opportunities? If so, will those positions be publicly advertised, and can you provide a brief overview of the hiring process to ensure transparency and meritocracy?
- Revenue Utilization:
How will the profits from these sales be utilized? Will they contribute directly to the national budget? If LPRC has already been making budgetary contributions, can we expect an increase?
- Pricing and Competition:
Given that LPRC, unlike private importers, will not be paying storage fees at its own facility, nor potentially incurring the same taxes and overheads, how will it price its products? Will this give LPRC a competitive pricing advantage? How will the government ensure a level playing field for other importers?
- Public Benefit:
Beyond ensuring product availability, what direct and measurable benefits can ordinary Liberians, especially consumers and small businesses, expect from this initiative? Will the move reduce pump prices or stabilize the market in a meaningful way?
In addition to these specific questions, we welcome any further clarification or context that you believe the public should be aware of in order to fully understand the rationale, risks, and rewards associated with this new direction.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to your response, which will help shape a balanced and informed national discourse on this important matter.
Please accept once again the assurances of our highest esteem as we each strive, in our respective capacities, to serve the Liberian people.
Sincerely,
Sidiki Fofana
Chief Executive Officer
Truth in Ink
