– Commuters Decry Unregulated Transportation Fare Hikes
By Jessica Cox
Monrovia – Commuters across Liberia say they are the ones suffering most from a recent hike in transport fares, as they struggle to cover daily costs amid rising fuel prices. Lovette Gbaseah, a market woman who commutes daily to sell goods, described the fare increases as unbearable for ordinary people.
“We are struggling with the new transport fares. You can go to the market and not even get one customer, but you still have to pay high transport costs to go and come back. At the end of the day, everything is lost,” Gbaseah said. Before the latest petroleum price hike, kehkeh riders charged around LD$70 for her route, while motorbike riders collected LD$100. Now, those same routes cost LD$100 and LD$150 respectively, she said.
Gbaseah said traders understand drivers’ challenges from fuel costs but called on the government to intervene before small businesses collapse. “We are not blaming the drivers because they are also suffering,” she added. “But the government needs to come in before our businesses collapse.”
Last week, the Ministry of Transport released new standardized transportation fares, setting rates lower than what many drivers, motorbike riders, and tricycle operators are now charging across the country. However, commuters say it is not being adhered to. The new fares came days after the government raised gasoline prices to $4.87 USD, or 910 LD per gallon. Officials attributed the increase to the ongoing war in the Middle East disrupting global oil supplies.
Esmond Junes, a resident who commutes daily for work and shopping, said the increases have raised costs for goods as well. “It has caused serious loss for us,” Junes said. “Not only has the transport fare increased, but even the goods we sell or buy have gone up. By the time you finish selling, you are just trying to get back your money.” Junes said families now face pressure on essentials like school runs and healthcare trips.
He urged the government to reduce taxes on petroleum products to ease the burden. “We understand this is a global issue, but the government can still help by reducing some of the burden on the people,” Junes said.
Meanwhile, commercial drivers report similar hardships. Mark, a kehkeh driver, said he parked his vehicle temporarily because fuel costs exceeded earnings from fewer passengers. “People think we are benefiting from the increase, but that is not true,” Mark said. “Fuel price is high, and sometimes you can ride the whole day and not make enough to even cover your cost Drivers face additional expenses like parking fees, repairs, and union payments,” Mark added.
Transport fares in Monrovia receive loose regulation, with inconsistent enforcement of official rates. Authorities announce standardized fares periodically, but operators set prices independently on many routes.
Transport unions defend the adjustments as necessary amid fuel price rises and economic pressures. Liberia imports most of its petroleum, leaving it exposed to global oil fluctuations tied to events like the Middle East war.
Across markets, roads, and homes, citizens from all groups call for government steps including fuel tax reviews, stricter fare enforcement, and relief for vulnerable people. For Gbaseah, the stakes remain high. “If nothing is done, we will not be able to continue,” she warned. “Everything is getting hard, and we are the ones suffering the most.”
As of March 29, 2026, the Middle East is currently engulfed in a major regional conflict primarily centered on a war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which officially erupted on February 28, 2026. This conflict is the culmination of years of escalating tensions following the 2023 Gaza war and has now expanded to involve multiple countries and non-state actors.
The conflict has triggered the largest supply disruption in history by halting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, removing roughly 20 million barrels of daily oil supply. Brent crude prices surged over 40% to exceed $100/barrel, causing global gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices to spike. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (passing ~20% of global oil) and attacks on critical infrastructure (e.g., Saudi refineries, Qatari LNG) have created significant shortages in Asia and Europe.
Brent crude, which hovered around $70, jumped to over $100, driving up prices for gasoline, heating oil, and jet fuel globally. Shutdowns of refineries and processing facilities, particularly in the Gulf region, are expected to cause long-term disruptions even if the conflict pauses, as damaged infrastructure takes time to repair. The International Energy Agency (IEA) authorized its largest-ever release of emergency oil stocks to counteract shortages. Shipping companies are facing increased insurance and transport costs, leading to supply chain bottlenecks.
