CEMSE Proposes $100m Budget Support for TOR Crude Procurement
The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) is urging government to commit $100 million in the 2026 national budget to finance the procurement of crude oil for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
The proposal comes as government prepares to resume crude oil refining at TOR by the end of this year, a move aimed at reducing Ghana’s annual US$10.2 billion oil import bill, conserving foreign exchange, and stabilising domestic fuel prices.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Executive Director of CEMSE, Benjamin Nsiah, stressed that strong government financial backing is critical to ensuring the refinery’s sustainable and efficient revival.
“Given TOR’s current financial position, no bank or supplier will readily provide crude worth $100 million for refining. That is why the Government of Ghana, particularly the Ministry of Finance, must demonstrate commitment in the upcoming budget by assisting TOR to procure crude for its operations,” Mr Nsiah stated.
He further suggested that government could consider redirecting crude liftings from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) or other state-linked entities to TOR for processing, adding that “there must be a clear budgetary commitment, perhaps around $100 million to enable TOR to purchase crude for refining.”
The planned restart of TOR is seen as a strategic measure to enhance Ghana’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported refined products. TOR’s revival is projected to supply between 45% and 60% of national fuel demand, saving the country an estimated US$400 million monthly in import costs.
TOR currently has a nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day, but with recent upgrades including a new furnace installation its potential output has increased to 60,000 barrels per day. With Ghana’s daily consumption estimated at about 100,000 barrels, the refinery’s return to full operation could substantially narrow the country’s supply gap.
To ensure timely progress, TOR has constituted a Turnaround Maintenance Committee, chaired by the General Manager of Maintenance and supervised by the Deputy Managing Director, which meets weekly to monitor the restoration process.
