NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has submitted a formal communication to the Liberian Senate proposing a new Act to formally establish the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) by statute.
The proposed legislation also seeks to amend or repeal key provisions of the 1989 law that granted LPRC broad authority over the regulation, importation, storage, distribution, and commercialization of petroleum products in Liberia.
By: Sampson W. Weah sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
In his communication addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore and members of the Senate, Dillon noted that although LPRC has existed since 1978 as a wholly government-owned entity, it has operated without a clear and comprehensive statutory foundation.
“For nearly five decades, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company has carried out critical national responsibilities without the benefit of a proper enabling law,” Dillon stated. “This situation creates legal uncertainty and weakens accountability in a sector that directly affects every Liberian household and business.”
He explained that LPRC currently functions primarily under its Articles of Incorporation rather than an Act of the Legislature — a condition he described as inconsistent with sound public administration and constitutional practice.
“A public corporation of this importance must not exist in a legal vacuum,” Dillon added. “It is the duty of this Legislature, under Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution, to provide a clear statutory framework that defines the powers, functions, and governance of LPRC.”
According to the Montserrado lawmaker, the proposed bill aims to formally establish LPRC by law, redefine its mandate, and introduce stronger oversight, transparency, and institutional control mechanisms within the petroleum sector.
He urged his colleagues to give the measure prompt and serious consideration, emphasizing that strengthening the legal framework governing petroleum importation and distribution is essential to safeguarding the public interest.
If enacted, the new legislation would replace the outdated structure under which LPRC has operated for decades and formally recognize the company as a statutory public corporation with clearly defined authority and responsibilities.
