Dillon Introduces LPRC Reform Bill on Senate Floor, Calls for Repeal of 1989 Petroleum Acts
Abraham Sylvester Panto 
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon formally introduced a landmark bill on the Senate floor on February 24, 2026, to enact the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) under a comprehensive statutory framework and repeal the 1989 Acts granting it exclusive rights over petroleum regulation, importation, storage, and commercialization.
The submission underscores the Senator’s intent to provide a clearly defined legal foundation for one of Liberia’s most strategically important state-owned enterprises.
In his communication on Monday, February 23, to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Dillon stated, "Since 1978, the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company has operated as a public entity solely owned by the Government of Liberia… To date, there is no statutory authority for the proper governance of this critical state-owned entity."
The 1989 Acts granted LPRC a monopoly over petroleum imports, regulatory control of storage and distribution, and sole authority to negotiate supply agreements with domestic and foreign companies, yet Senator Dillon noted that the absence of a modern statutory framework has left the entity without the governance and accountability required to meet today’s operational demands.
He further emphasized in his submission, “In consequence of the above, and consistent with Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, I hereby submit this proposed Act, seeking the legislative consideration of Plenary to enact LPRC with the proper statutory authority and governing functions and responsibilities.”
The proposed Act seeks to modernize LPRC’s governance framework, ensuring transparency, statutory clarity, and operational efficiency in service delivery to the Liberian people.
Operationally, LPRC has shifted focus from crude oil refining to the storage and distribution of imported petroleum products at its Petroleum Storage Terminal (PST).
The company is currently undertaking major expansion projects, including the construction of a 17,000 cubic meter storage tank and a state-of-the-art testing laboratory initiated in late 2024.
The proposed legislation is intended to align these operational advancements with a clearly defined statutory mandate, granting LPRC the authority and governance structures necessary to manage national petroleum resources effectively.
Following the reading of the proposed Act on Tuesday, the Senate formally recorded the first reading in accordance with plenary procedures, signaling the commencement of legislative scrutiny.
The submission represents a corrective measure aimed at aligning Liberia’s petroleum governance framework with modern standards, ensuring LPRC operates with clearly defined authority, responsibilities, and accountability mechanisms.
Senator Dillon outlined the serious nature of his communication by underscoring the significance of the submission, stating, “Please accept, Madam President Pro Tempore and Distinguished Colleagues, the consideration of my highest esteem.”
In response to the submission of the Proposed Act, the Management of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) has expressed appreciation to Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon for introducing legislation to modernize the governance of the Company.
The Company stated, “We applaud Senator Dillon for this bold legislative step,” noting that the initiative reflects a strong commitment to strengthening Liberia’s petroleum governance framework.
LPRC emphasized that the legislation will ensure the Company operates under “a modern, transparent, and forward-looking mandate,” aligning its operations with national energy and development priorities.
LPRC further called on lawmakers to support the measure, stressing, “We urge all Senators to support the passage of this critical legislation for the advancement and stability of Liberia’s petroleum sector.”
The management’s endorsement underscores a shared vision with Senator Dillon to modernize Liberia’s petroleum sector, improve operational efficiency, and establish clear statutory authority for LPRC to fulfill its role as a state-owned enterprise vital to Liberia’s energy security and economic growth.
