A supporter of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Darius Doe, has acknowledged a modest decline in rice prices under the current Rescue Government but argues that the reduction has done little to improve the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Speaking in a social media post, Doe noted that the price of a 25kg bag of rice in Monrovia now averages around 2,800 Liberian Dollars, or roughly 15.50 US Dollars based on an exchange rate of 180 LD to 1 USD. He compared this to December 2023, when the CDC administration left office and the same bag reportedly sold for about 3,200 Liberian Dollars, equivalent to approximately 16.75 US Dollars at the time.
While admitting that the current government has achieved a slight decrease in rice prices, Doe emphasized that affordability remains a major concern for many households. He pointed out that the real challenge is not just the cost of rice, but the limited purchasing power of the population.
Doe also observed that Liberia has avoided significant rice shortages over the past two years, easing fears that once surrounded food supply stability. However, he stressed that this stability has not translated into meaningful economic relief for many citizens.
He highlighted that a cup of rice still sells for about 50 Liberian Dollars, a price largely unchanged from previous years. As a result, many families continue to buy rice in small quantities rather than purchasing full bags, reflecting ongoing financial strain.
According to Doe, while official figures may show slight improvements in commodity prices, the everyday reality for many Liberians remains difficult due to unemployment, low incomes, and persistent economic hardship.
