The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has assured the public that Ghana has sufficient petroleum stocks, with continuous imports and local refining helping to maintain fuel supplies despite volatility in the international oil market.
The assurance comes after government introduced a GH¢2-per-litre relief on diesel to cushion consumers from recent increases in petroleum prices amid concerns about possible supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, NPA Director of Economic Regulation and Planning, Abass Tasunti said ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability remains the regulator’s foremost responsibility.
He explained that the NPA carefully coordinates domestic refining and imports to maintain adequate stocks and prevent supply shortages.
According to Mr. Tasunti, Ghana currently has more than five weeks’ worth of petrol and diesel in stock.
He clarified, however, that the figure does not mean the country is simply consuming its existing reserves without replenishment. Rather, petroleum products are continuously being imported to replace what is consumed.
Mr. Tasunti said vessels are regularly discharging petroleum products at Ghana’s facilities, with the NPA using its Line Camp Programme to coordinate and schedule imports and maintain adequate supply levels.
He noted that the continuous flow of imports ensures that fuel stocks are replenished even as consumers draw from available supplies.
Local refining is also contributing to the country’s fuel security. Mr. Tasunti said domestic refineries have continued operating and producing petroleum products, further reducing pressure on imported supplies.
The NPA said the combination of local refining and regular imports remains central to its strategy of ensuring that petroleum products are consistently available to consumers across the country.