Fuel Imports Surge 36.7% in 2025 Amid Refining Constraints,
Ghana’s dependence on imported petroleum products deepened significantly in 2025, as fuel imports surged by 36.7% amid persistent constraints in domestic refining capacity, according to data from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Total fuel imports rose to 8.71 billion litres in 2025, up from 6.2 billion litres in 2024, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on external sources to meet domestic energy demand.
The corresponding import bill climbed to an estimated $4.95 billion, reflecting both increased import volumes and sustained global price pressures.
At the core of the imbalance is the continued underperformance of the domestic refining sector. Local output declined by 11.3% during the period, with domestic refineries accounting for just 6% of total petroleum supply, down from 9% in the previous year.
This has resulted in imports contributing more than 90% of national fuel supply, heightening Ghana’s exposure to exchange rate volatility, global oil price shocks, and potential supply chain disruptions.
Meanwhile, domestic demand continues to rise. National fuel consumption reached 7.45 billion litres in 2025, driven largely by increased consumption of petrol and diesel, further widening the gap between local production and demand.
Although key facilities such as the Tema Oil Refinery and Sentuo Oil Refinery maintain installed processing capacity, their contribution has been constrained by operational inefficiencies, including periodic shutdowns and inconsistent output levels.
In a paradoxical twist, Ghana continues to export all of its domestically produced crude oil to international markets where it fetches premium prices, while importing refined petroleum products—often derived from relatively cheaper crude—highlighting structural inefficiencies within the country’s energy value chain.
Industry analysts have cautioned that without targeted policy interventions and significant capital investment, Ghana’s vulnerability to external shocks will persist.
COMAC has therefore called for deliberate and sustained investment in refining infrastructure, alongside expanded storage capacity, to enhance supply security and reduce import dependence.
Looking ahead, the Chamber estimates that with consistent operations and adequate financing, domestic refining could meet up to 25% of national demand—offering a pathway to easing import reliance, but only if longstanding structural constraints within the sector are effectively addressed.
