President Joseph Boakai announced immediate wholesale price reductions for flour and rice on September 2, directing government agencies to enforce the new rates nationwide and warning that arbitrary price hikes will be met with legal action.
Under guidance from the Presidential Ad‑Hoc Committee on Price chaired by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the wholesale price of flour was reduced from US$39.00 to US$35.00 per 100‑lb bag — a decrease of US$4.00, or 10.26%.
The wholesale price of rice fell from US$16.75 to US$14.00 per 25kg bag — a decline of US$2.75, or 16.42%.
“These reductions represent my government’s commitment to ensuring that the ordinary Liberian family has access to affordable food,” President Boakai said, while stressing collaboration with producers and importers to keep supply chains stable and pricing sustainable.
The President instructed the Ministry of Commerce inspectorates and other relevant stakeholders to ensure strict enforcement of the new wholesale prices across the country. He warned that individuals or businesses found imposing arbitrary increases would face legal consequences.
Business impact
Immediate effect: Traders and downstream retailers are expected to adjust markups in line with the new wholesale benchmarks, potentially lowering consumer prices if pass‑through is enforced.
Margins and supply: Importers and millers will be closely watched as the government continues consultations to monitor cost drivers and prevent supply disruptions that could negate the intended relief.
Policy follows‑up: The ad‑hoc committee will maintain stakeholder engagement to identify opportunities for further price stabilization and food‑security measures.
The cuts are presented by the administration as part of broader efforts to stabilize prices and ease the cost burden on Liberian households. Enforcement and continued dialogue with market actors will determine how effectively the wholesale reductions translate into lower retail prices for consumers.
