Published: February 27, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) has firmly rejected allegations that it collects and mismanages government taxes, clarifying that all petroleum-related taxes are assessed and collected exclusively by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, LPRC Managing Director Amos B. Tweh dismissed recent social media claims suggesting the state-owned petroleum terminal operator handles tax revenues. “LPRC has taken note of misleading statements circulating on social media alleging that the Company collects and mismanages Government taxes. These allegations are baseless, misleading, and unsupported by factual evidence,” Tweh said.
He stressed that LPRC collects only statutory petroleum service and operational fees approved under Liberia’s national petroleum pricing structure.
Clear Legal Separation of Roles
Tweh explained that Liberia’s revenue administration system clearly separates institutional mandates. According to him, the LRA is solely responsible for the assessment, determination and collection of all government taxes, including customs duties, excise taxes and other statutory levies. LPRC, by contrast, operates strictly as a terminal operator and service provider. “These charges are strictly service-based operational fees and do not constitute taxes,” he clarified. He further emphasized that importers remit all applicable taxes directly to the LRA in accordance with national revenue laws.
How the Importation Process Works
Detailing the petroleum importation process, Tweh said licensed importers begin by submitting a Laycan — a loading or unloading window request — specifying the product type, volume in metric tons and expected arrival timeline. Upon approval and vessel arrival, products are discharged into the LPRC Product Storage Terminal (PST). “Upon approval and vessel arrival, the product is discharged into LPRC’s Product Storage Terminal (PST). An Outturn Report is then generated to reconcile the quantity shipped against the actual quantity received,” he said, adding “Volumes are recorded in both metric tons and U.S. gallons to ensure accounting accuracy and transparency. Importers then issue a Transfer Order specifying the authorized distributor, product type and allocated quantity before lifting can occur. “
Taxes Must Be Paid Before Lifting
Tweh underscored that LPRC assesses operational service fees only after discharge, including charges for storage, vessel discharge, laboratory testing, inspectorate services and maintenance. However, he said product lifting cannot occur unless all government taxes have been paid directly to the LRA. “Even where all LPRC service fees have been settled, lifting cannot occur unless Government taxes have been fully paid to the LRA. The LRA maintains sole jurisdiction over the determination and collection of taxes, duties, and levies. LPRC acts strictly as the terminal operator and does not collect Government of Liberia taxes under any circumstance,” Tweh said.
He continued that the LRA maintains oversight authority at the PST, including operational controls to block lifting if taxes remain unpaid. Before physical lifting, importers must settle all applicable LPRC service and storage fees. He said a Delivery Order is then issued, specifying quantity, product type and destination retailer or service station.
Oversight and Financial Controls
Addressing accountability concerns, Tweh said all LPRC revenues are properly receipted and deposited into designated accounts under strict internal controls. “These revenues are audited in accordance with Public Financial Management regulations and overseen by the Board of Directors and relevant Government oversight institutions. LPRC operates within a structured governance and compliance framework consistent with national laws and international best practices,” he said.
Call for Responsible Public Discourse
The LPRC Managing Director reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and compliance, warning against misinformation in discussions about petroleum pricing and revenue collection. “The integrity of Liberia’s downstream petroleum framework is vital to national economic stability. Public discourse on such matters must be guided by facts, institutional clarity, and responsible engagement,” he concluded.
LPRC urged media institutions, civil society organizations and the public to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities regarding petroleum pricing structures, statutory service fees and tax collection procedures.
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