By Ishmael F. Menkor

As Liberians prepare to celebrate the festive season, rising prices of rice and persistently high transportation fares are deepening economic hardship, particularly for low-income households and rural communities, where Christmas and New Year celebrations are traditionally marked by communal meals and family gatherings.

In major commercial centers such as Ganta, Nimba County, the price of rice–Liberia’s staple food–has climbed sharply in recent weeks, reversing earlier government-led reductions and raising questions about market regulation and consumer protection.

Rice, often described as a “political commodity” in Liberia because of its central role in household survival, is again becoming unaffordable for many families. Earlier this year, the Unity Party-led government announced measures that led to a noticeable drop in prices, from above L$3,000 per 25kg bag to between L$2,500 and L$2,600.

However, as the festive season approaches, prices have begun to climb once more. In Ganta, low-grade rice is now selling for around L$2,600-L$2,650, while higher-grade rice has reached as much as L$2,750 per bag, according to market checks.

The increase has left many consumers frustrated, especially given that there has been no reported shortage of rice. Ganta remains one of Liberia’s busiest rice distribution hubs, with thousands of bags offloaded regularly for distribution across Nimba and neighboring counties.

“We were happy when the price of rice dropped, but we don’t know what is happening again that the price is climbing,” said Mankapoe Nuahn, a housewife struggling to plan for the holidays

My husband has not yet received his salary, so we don’t know how we are going to do it this season,” she added.

For many families, rice is not just food–it is the centerpiece of every festive table. Any increase in its price has immediate social and emotional consequences, often forcing households to cut back on celebrations or rely on credit.

Compounding the hardship are persistently high transportation fares, which have not declined despite petroleum prices remaining unchanged since September 2025. In Ganta, a gallon of gasoline continues to sell for about L$700, while diesel costs around L$800, with only minor variations outside the city.

Yet taxi fares remain at L$1,500 per trip, often with six passengers onboard. Commercial buses charge between L$1,000 and L$1,200, placing an additional burden on traders, commuters,

As Liberians prepare to celebrate the festive season, rising prices of rice and persistently high transportation fares are deepening economic hardship, particularly for low-income households and rural communities, where Christmas and New Year celebrations are traditionally marked by communal meals and family gatherings.

In major commercial centers such as Ganta, Nimba County, the price of rice–Liberia’s staple food–has climbed sharply in recent weeks, reversing earlier government-led reductions and raising questions about market regulation and consumer protection.

Rice, often described as a “political commodity” in Liberia because of its central role in household survival, is again becoming unaffordable for many families. Earlier this year, the Unity Party-led government announced measures that led to a noticeable drop in prices, from above L$3,000 per 25kg bag to between L$2,500 and L$2,600.


However, as the festive season approaches, prices have begun to climb once more. In Ganta, low-grade rice is now selling for around L$2,600-L$2,650, while higher-grade rice has reached as much as L$2,750 per bag, according to market checks.

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The increase has left many consumers frustrated, especially given that there has been no reported shortage of rice. Ganta remains one of Liberia’s busiest rice distribution hubs, with thousands of bags offloaded regularly for distribution across Nimba and neighboring counties.

“We were happy when the price of rice dropped, but we don’t know what is happening again that the price is climbing,” said Mankapoe Nuahn, a housewife struggling to plan for the holidays.


“My husband has not yet received his salary, so we don’t know how we are going to do it this season,” she added.

For many families, rice is not just food–it is the centerpiece of every festive table. Any increase in its price has immediate social and emotional consequences, often forcing households to cut back on celebrations or rely on credit.

Compounding the hardship are persistently high transportation fares, which have not declined despite petroleum prices remaining unchanged since September 2025. In Ganta, a gallon of gasoline continues to sell for about L$700, while diesel costs around L$800, with only minor variations outside the city.

Yet taxi fares remain at L$1,500 per trip, often with six passengers onboard. Commercial buses charge between L$1,000 and L$1,200, placing an additional burden on traders, commuters, and families traveling to visit relatives during the holidays.


Economists and consumers alike question why transport costs remain elevated when fuel prices–the main justification for previous hikes–have stabilized.

Festive Markets, Shrinking Wallets

Despite the rising costs, Ganta’s markets are bustling, with shoppers arriving from across Nimba County and beyond to purchase food and seasonal items. Traders say demand remains high, but purchasing power is weak, as many customers buy in smaller quantities or delay spending in hopes that prices will fall.

The situation is further complicated by currency instability. The Liberian dollar continues to fluctuate between L$175 and L$180 to US$1 on the street, but many traders say retail prices have not adjusted accordingly, especially for imported goods.

“The exchange rate changes, but prices in the stores don’t come down,” one shopper complained.

The impact of these price hikes is most severe in rural areas, where incomes are low, livelihoods are seasonal, and access to cash is limited. For farming families who depend on selling produce to buy rice and other essentials, higher prices mean fewer meals and diminished celebrations.

“The festive season is supposed to bring relief and joy,” said a local civil society advocate in Nimba. “But for the poor, it has become a reminder of inequality. When rice prices go up, everything else suffers–nutrition, dignity, and social cohesion.

When contacted, local commerce authorities in Nimba County said they were not immediately aware of the reasons behind the price hikes and could not confirm any shortage of rice.

We will find out what is causing the increase in the price of rice,” a commerce agent, who asked not to be named, told this reporter.

For now, many Liberians are left wondering whether existing monitoring mechanisms are effective enough to prevent seasonal price manipulation, especially during periods when demand is predictably high.

Many have dubbed this festive season as a one of strains. As Christmas and New Year draw closer, the combination of rising rice prices, high transport fares, and unstable exchange rates is eroding the festive spirit for thousands of households. For the poor and rural communities in particular, harsh economic realities are transforming what should be a season of joy into one of anxiety, sacrifice, and difficult choices.

Unless swift interventions are made to stabilize prices and enforce fair market practices, analysts warn that the festive season may once again highlight the widening gap between policy pronouncements and the daily struggles of ordinary Liberians.