By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi | Reporting for GhanaianNewsCanada
The Corporate Affairs Officer in charge of External Affairs at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Mr. Godwin Mahama Ayaba, has assured Ghanaians that the country is unlikely to face fuel shortages, despite rising tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on The Pulse on March 11, Mr. Ayaba cited Ghana’s diversified petroleum import sources and expanding local refining capacity as key factors in ensuring supply stability. His comments support a recent statement by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) that ongoing conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran will not disrupt fuel availability in Ghana.
“The National Petroleum Authority, which is the regulator, some three to four hours ago issued an official statement assuring all of us that as for shortage, there is no way the Iran-Israel conflict is going to affect us,” he said.
Ghana imports approximately 80% of its petroleum products from Europe and 20% from the Arabian region, where the current tensions could impact supply. However, Mr. Ayaba explained that domestic refining capacity will help fill any potential gaps.
“Currently, TOR is producing about 28,000 barrels per day. After ongoing upgrades, we expect output to rise to 45,000 barrels and eventually 60,000,” he stated.
Other local refineries will also contribute to stabilizing supply: Sentuo produces 36,000-40,000 barrels daily, Akwaaba about 10,000, and Platon nearly 3,000. Combined, these facilities can compensate for any shortfall from the Arabian region.
Mr. Ayaba emphasized that the bulk of Ghana’s imports will still come from Europe, reinforcing supply stability, and urged the public not to panic.
Analysis:
Ghana’s proactive approach, diversifying import sources and increasing domestic refining, demonstrates strategic resilience against external geopolitical shocks. The country appears well-positioned to maintain fuel stability, even amid global uncertainties. Citizens can take confidence in the government’s measures, though monitoring prices and supply trends remains prudent.
