Liberia: More Concerns Over Rice Issue

Liberian media reports that country's Commerce Ministry has denied an importer's request to bring in more rice next month. One of the importers (name withheld) recently applied to the ministry for the IPD to enable it bring in the rice. But the source said to their utter dismay, the company's request was denied on ground that there is excessive supply of rice on the market.

But the source said that another company, being allegedly favored by the government has informed it without a request that it is bringing in rice by the end of next month. The source alleged that there might be a slight increase in the commodity because of increase in freight.

The economist who was contacted on the issue said that the government should open the market for the market forces to interact. He added that that would help reduce the price of the commodity on the market.

The economist warned the government against any attempt to increase the price of rice, which he said is already high on the market.

In recent times the government has been accused of favoring the Sinkor Trading, something which the government denied, claiming that besides this company, there are several companies importing rice in the country. However, the government continues to maintain that there is no rice monopoly.