Oil Discovered in Beon Town? -Authority Says Experts at Work, Citizens should Remain Calm

MONROVIA – Reports of a potential oil discovery in Beon Town, Grand Bassa County, have sparked both excitement and anxiety among locals, with many hoping it could bring economic relief to the area. While crude oil has been a blessing for some nations, it’s also been a curse for others – only time will tell what impact it will have here. Footage of villagers rushing to access the substance has sent ripples of hope through the community, with some seeing it as a potential game-changer for Liberia’s economy. National experts have been dispatched to the scene and are reportedly working to verify the discovery. The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) has issued a statement calling for calm, urging the public to await official confirmation. The Analyst reports.

The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) says it has taken note of recent public comments concerning the reported presence of an oily substance in Beon’s Town, Grand Bassa County.

Liberia’s Petroleum Exploration and Production Law of 2016 sets a clear protocol for verifying and officially communicating any discovery or technical findings related to suspected Hydrocarbons.

According to the statement, the Authority said the process is intended to prevent premature conclusions and ensure that the public receives information that has been thoroughly reviewed and validated by the LPRA.

In line with its statutory mandate, the LPRA initiated field assessments on December 3, and has since provided initial updates to relevant stakeholders and to the Office of the President.

A consolidated technical report and an official public statement will be issued by the LPRA upon completion of the evaluation.

Until then, the statement indicated, “We respectfully advise the public to refrain from drawing any conclusions.”

The LPRA said in consultation with the appropriate authorities will communicate verified findings through the established statutory process.

As part of its safety protocols, the LPRA also advises residents to avoid contact with the substance pending final analysis.

The statement continued: “We appreciate the high level of public interest in this matter and remind all stakeholders that cautious, evidence-based communication-consistent with protocol, law, and best practices must guide all public disclosures in the oil and gas sector.”

The LPRA used the statement to thank the public for its patience “as we complete additional evaluation”.