KAKATA, Margibi County — Authorities in Margibi County have launched a major crackdown on gasoline sellers accused of inflating fuel prices, leading to the seizure of more than 1,000 gallons of gasoline during an inspection exercise on Monday.
The operation was led by Margibi County Superintendent O Jay Godfavor Morris Jr., who joined officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and officers of the Liberia National Police Margibi Detachment to inspect gasoline prices in Kakata and Weala.
The tour, conducted on March 16, 2026, was intended to enforce the Government of Liberia’s approved pump price of LD$910 per gallon and address growing complaints from commuters about rising fuel costs.
During the inspection across Kakata and Weala, authorities discovered that numerous gasoline sellers were charging above the government-approved rate, a situation officials say has placed a serious burden on residents and motorists.
As a result, the Ministry of Commerce and the Margibi County Administration confiscated over 1,000 gallons of gasoline from sellers found violating the government’s pricing regulation.
Authorities confirmed that the seized gasoline has been transported to the Margibi Superintendent Compound in Kakata, where it will remain until a meeting is held with the gasoline sellers to ensure the fuel is sold at the official price.
Speaking during the exercise, Superintendent Morris warned that individuals who continue to increase gasoline prices beyond the approved rate will face legal action.
He emphasized that the unauthorized increase in fuel prices has created hardship for passengers and motorists across the county.
Superintendent Morris further urged gasoline sellers to immediately comply with the government’s fuel pricing regulation and desist from charging above the approved rate.
“We will not allow individuals to exploit citizens during this time. Anyone found violating the government’s price regulation will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
