The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has raised alarm over repeated disruptions in the country’s fuel import schedule, blaming the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for regulatory lapses that have led to mounting costs and higher pump prices.
In a statement, CBOD revealed that the official Laycan schedule — which regulates the timing and order of fuel imports — was revised more than 11 times between January and June 2025 without industry consultation.
Each change, it said, delayed up to ten cargoes, with cumulative delays costing importers over $40 million in demurrage and related charges.
“These disruptions are not just technical hiccups — they are costing Ghanaians at the pump,” said Dr Patrick Kwaku Ofori, CBOD’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Between January and May 2025 alone, these inefficiencies added between GHS 0.47 and GHS 0.60 per litre to fuel prices. That is unacceptable.”
CBOD further accused the NPA of undermining its own schedule by authorising vessels to berth outside the official plan.
The latest example, it claims, was the berthing of MT Marlin Ametrine on 23 June, despite a presidential directive to uphold the integrity of the schedule.
“This is a direct violation of a presidential instruction,” Dr Ofori added.
“It sends the wrong message about how seriously we take regulatory discipline in the energy sector.”
The chamber suspects that some unauthorised shipments are being pushed through by Nigerian traders recently displaced by the Dangote Refinery, allegedly operating in Ghana through politically connected local intermediaries.
“This is not just about fuel — it’s about protecting the rules that guarantee national energy security,” CBOD warned.
To restore order, the group is demanding:
An immediate stop to unapproved berthings by BIDECs without Laycan allocations. Mandatory stakeholder consultations before any schedule changes. Transparent handling of emergency supply needs. A formal mandate for CBOD to coordinate Laycan submissions to the NPA.
“CBOD will not remain silent while systems are bypassed and national interests sidelined,” Dr Ofori declared.
Meanwhile the Energy Ministry has held talks with key industry players in the petroleum sector to address these pressing issues.