The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of Ghana has expressed confidence in the consistent production of fuel from the Sentuo Oil Refinery until December. NPA Chief Executive Edudzi Tameklo made this statement in an interview on JoyNews on September 18, 2026. This assurance comes at a time when fuel prices are rising, and the country is looking for ways to stabilize the supply of petroleum products.
The NPA's statement on consistent production from Sentuo Oil Refinery is significant, as it addresses concerns about fuel supply in Ghana. However, it is essential to note that this assurance does not guarantee against every possible supply disruption and does not directly impact the pump prices motorists pay. The NPA's confidence in Sentuo's production capacity is a positive development for the country's fuel supply.
The Chief Executive of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, has also weighed in on the issue. He believes that having both Sentuo and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) operating in Ghana eases concerns about fuel supply. According to Dr. Ofori, the two refineries can potentially meet between 25 and 30 percent of national consumption, with imports supplying the remainder.
Dr. Ofori's comments highlight the importance of having two functional refineries in Ghana. He emphasized that increased capacity and improved efficiency are necessary to supply a greater share of Ghana's fuel requirements domestically. This, he believes, will reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel and potentially stabilize fuel prices.
However, Dr. Ofori also cautioned that domestic refining does not automatically translate to cheaper fuel. Both refineries buy crude oil at internationally benchmarked prices, which means that the cost of production is still tied to global market prices. This could limit the impact of increased domestic production on pump prices.
In a separate interview, Dr. Ofori questioned the government's GH¢2-per-litre fuel subsidy, arguing that a flat-rate relief benefits owners of large-capacity vehicles more than commuters. He called for greater investment in public transport and an energy strategy that extends beyond electoral cycles. This suggests that there are still challenges to be addressed in Ghana's fuel supply and pricing regime.
The return of Sentuo Oil Refinery to production, combined with the operations of Tema Oil Refinery, is expected to improve Ghana's fuel supply situation. While there are still concerns about pump prices and the impact of domestic refining on the cost of fuel, the NPA's confidence in Sentuo's production capacity is a positive development. The government's response to Dr. Ofori's suggestions on fuel subsidy and energy strategy will be crucial in shaping the country's fuel supply and pricing regime.
Key points
- NPA confident of consistent Sentuo output until December
- Two refineries can meet 25-30% of national fuel consumption
- Domestic refining does not automatically deliver cheaper fuel
