Established in 1978, The Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) is one of Liberia’s leading parastatals. It is charged with the responsibility to import, refine, distribute and retail petroleum and petroleum-related products in the Liberian Market.
Like many state enterprises, LPRC since its establishment, has undergone several hiccups that have undermined its statutory authority to the extent that some of its crucial responsibilities were franchised to licensed petroleum importers. The advent of the current Joseph Boakai leadership and the subsequent appointment of the new management team, led by Hon. Amos Tweh, have given the company new and promising dimensions. These new magnitudes are leading the company to a new era of growth and prosperity.
In line with President Boakai’s vision to ensure that quality petroleum products are available and affordable throughout the country and as part of management’s effort to expand operations, increase revenue and raise the company’s annual quota to the government, the Amos Tweh-leadership has initiated plans to commence the direct importation of petroleum products. This decision is made even with the institution’s longstanding mandate of procuring and delivering high-quality petroleum and related products to meet the needs of the nation.
Expansion of Storage Facility
As another stepway to growth and prosperity, the new management team has commenced the implementation of two critical infrastructure projects at its Product Storage Terminal near the Freeport of Monrovia on Bushrod Island meant to expand the company’s facility.
The projects include the construction of a new 17,000 cubic meter (12,800) gasoline tank and a new state – of -the art petroleum testing laboratory.
The new tank, when commissioned, is expected to increase the dockage at the fuel unloading Jetty and upturn the existing 51MT storage facility to 64 MT and significantly address the economic contingency plan by improving the country’s fuel security.
The Managing Director of LPRC, Mr. Amos Tweh, expressed excitement over the implementation of the project and said that it is aligned with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda. “President Boakai does not intend to treat petroleum products only as a source of energy but as an economic growth enabler by increasing citizens’ participation in the downstream sector and improving efficiency of service to the Liberian people.”
Mr Eric Ceekay Sayee, the Deputy Managing Director for Operations of LPRC and Management Project expansion lead, is quoted as saying that the construction of the project is tasked to LUTECH Engineering and Construction Company Limited and is expected to be completed in 14 months at a cost US$7.5 M. Mr Sayee: “We plan to seek certification from the International Standard Organization (ISO), an international organization that sets the standard for all products worldwide on behalf of the petroleum testing laboratory.