The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has confirmed that efforts are underway to address the current fuel shortages affecting some regions in the country.
These shortages have been attributed to the suspension of the gold-for-oil program and the operational halt of Sentuo Oil’s refining activities.
Speaking on Citi FM’s “Eyewitness News,” COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah acknowledged the challenges and explained that several measures are being taken to rectify the situation.
“We’ve been working to ensure that the imbalance is corrected,” Amoah said. “So far, two to three cargos have arrived to help correct the petrol shortage. I’m certain that this week, places up north will not experience the same challenges they faced in December and early January.”
He highlighted that the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) depot has resumed operations to transport fuel to northern regions. However, he cautioned that some areas may still experience shortages due to limited discharge capacity.
“Per my checks, the earliest we can correct this current anomaly will be next week Monday,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors has refuted reports of a critical fuel shortage.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrick Ofori reassured the public that sufficient fuel is available at the port and that further supplies are expected to arrive soon. He emphasized the importance of the Bank of Ghana’s forex initiative in stabilizing the currency and facilitating imports.
“Most of the BDCs currently have products at anchorage, with vessels discharging petrol,” Dr. Ofori explained. “In addition, over the next week or two, we’re expecting about 100,000 metric tonnes of petrol to arrive in the country. There is no cause for alarm.”
