The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the extension on the suspension of tariff on rice.

A release said President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf issued an executive order extending the suspension of tariff of the nation's staple, rice.

The Commerce Ministry, in a release said the suspension is in furtherance of President Sirleaf's commitment to bring relief to Liberians.

The Commerce Ministry wants rice importers to refrain from negative public relations campaign that tends to undermine the efforts of the Liberian government.

"As rice remains the most politically sensitive commodity on our market, the Ministry also warns strongly against all unnecessary media propaganda and the play of politics in the sector," the release said.

The release quotes Deputy Commerce Minister for Public Affairs as saying that competition in an open market system is measured by the natural forces of supply and demand and not undue actions that could lead to the artificial scarcity of rice on the local market.

"Let the public also be assured that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will do all within its powers to vigorously protect the market from any form or shape of misconduct that has the potential to undermine national food security in keeping with its statutory mandate," Minister Neufville stressed.