The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) has responded to growing public concerns regarding the reported presence of an oily substance in Beon's Town, Grand Bassa County. The Authority emphasized that all findings related to hydrocarbons must follow strict verification procedures before being communicated to the public.
According to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Law of 2016, any discovery or technical observation of suspected hydrocarbons must be carefully assessed and officially validated. This process is designed to prevent premature conclusions and ensure that Liberians receive accurate, evidence-based information.
In line with this mandate, the LPRA conducted field assessments on December 3, 2025, to investigate the reports. Preliminary updates from these assessments have been shared with relevant stakeholders, including the Office of the President, while a consolidated technical report and an official public statement will follow upon completion of the evaluation.
"We respectfully advise the public to refrain from drawing any conclusions until verified findings are officially communicated," the LPRA said in its statement. "As part of safety protocols, residents are urged to avoid contact with the substance until final analysis is complete."
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The Authority acknowledged the heightened public interest in the matter and reminded stakeholders that communication on oil and gas issues must adhere to protocol, law, and best practices.
"Cautious, evidence-based communication is essential to avoid misinformation in the oil and gas sector," the LPRA said, stressing that all disclosures must follow the established statutory process.
At the same time, NOCAL informs the public that it is also aware of the reported hydrocarbon seep in Nevren Tan, Beon Town, Grand Bassa County, situated within the Roberts-Bassa Basin approximately 7.6 miles inland from the coastline. In response, NOCAL conducted two technical field missions to conduct seep reconnaissance, surface geology assessments, and baseline data collection.
Historical reconnaissance studies such as airborne gravity and magnetic surveys conducted in 2010 by Simba Energy, the only onshore reconnaissance license holder at the time, identified oil seep occurrences indicating that the Roberts-Bassa Basin may have potential for commercially viable hydrocarbons.
Building on these earlier findings, NOCAL geoscientists and technicians from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) undertook two days of intensive field observation, desktop reviews of historical datasets, soil sampling, and geological mapping. Their assessments confirm that the reported seep area in Nevren Tan aligns with the structural and stratigraphic characteristics of the Roberts-Bassa Basin.
Samples collected from the seep zone are currently undergoing laboratory geochemical analysis, including API gravity determination to classify the fluid as sweet or sour, as well as biomarker profiling and diagnostic testing to establish the fluid type, source characteristics, and potential migration pathways. Final conclusions will be issued upon the completion and integration of these technical evaluations.
NOCAL recognizes the strong public interest in this matter of national importance and appreciates the desire for accurate information. The Corporation, however, urges government entities, members of the media, community leaders, and public figures to refrain from disseminating unverified or speculative information while technical investigations and laboratory analyses are still ongoing.
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However, the LPRA also highlighted that the investigation is ongoing and that all necessary safety measures are being observed. Authorities are coordinating with other relevant government agencies to ensure that any potential environmental or public safety concerns are promptly addressed.
This move comes amid increased attention to Liberia's hydrocarbon potential, where local communities and investors are closely monitoring developments in petroleum exploration. By ensuring a rigorous assessment and verification process, the LPRA aims to maintain public confidence and transparency in the management of Liberia's oil and gas resources.
"The LPRA appreciates the public's patience as we complete our evaluation and reiterates its commitment to sharing verified information in accordance with the law," the statement concluded.
