The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has issued a stern condemnation of the persistent disruptions plaguing Ghana’s Laycan import schedule, a system designed to regulate the timing and coordination of petroleum cargo arrivals and discharges at the nation’s ports. The CBOD highlights the severe repercussions these disruptions pose to the petroleum sector and the wider Ghanaian economy. The organization points to arbitrary and repeated violations of the agreed-upon schedule, a framework established through consultation with industry stakeholders and managed by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). This disruption has led to significant financial burdens, logistical chaos, and ultimately, increased fuel prices for consumers.
The core issue lies in the frequent and unilateral revisions to the Laycan schedule, which the CBOD claims have occurred at least 11 times in the first half of 2025 alone. These constant changes have resulted in vessel discharge delays of up to 30 days, imposing substantial demurrage and related costs on Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs). These companies have reportedly incurred over $40 million in additional expenses between January and June, costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers, adding an estimated GHS 0.47 to GHS 0.60 per litre to pump prices. This financial burden, coupled with the logistical challenges, undermines the stability of the petroleum sector and contributes to rising fuel costs for the Ghanaian public.
Beyond the financial implications, the CBOD expresses grave concerns about the erosion of regulatory integrity within the sector. The Chamber points to unauthorized vessel berthings occurring outside the established Laycan protocol, directly contravening the agreed-upon schedule and even a presidential directive issued following a CBOD petition. One cited example is the berthing of the vessel MT Marlin Ametrine. This disregard for established procedures, according to the CBOD, represents a serious threat to the progress achieved in the industry in recent years. The CBOD alleges that some of these disruptions are orchestrated by Nigerian traders displaced by the Dangote Refinery, seeking access to the Ghanaian market through politically connected intermediaries. This raises concerns about potential threats to national fuel security and the integrity of the Ghanaian petroleum market.
The consequences of these disruptions extend beyond immediate financial losses. The CBOD emphasizes that the unpredictable nature of the import schedule creates an environment of uncertainty, damaging investor confidence and jeopardizing the entire petroleum supply chain. Each unauthorized berthing exacerbates logistical complexities, further escalating demurrage costs and distorting fuel pricing. Ultimately, consumers bear the brunt of these regulatory lapses, facing higher fuel prices and a potentially unstable supply chain. The CBOD argues that these disruptions undermine the stability of the petroleum market and create an environment ripe for exploitation, ultimately impacting the Ghanaian consumer.
To address these pressing issues, the CBOD has issued a four-point demand to the Ministry of Energy and the NPA. Firstly, they call for the immediate restriction of BIDECs operating without officially assigned Laycans, with full cost recovery from the entities responsible for the disruptions. Secondly, they demand mandatory prior consultation with the Laycan Review Committee before any changes are made to the established schedule, ensuring transparency and collaborative decision-making. Thirdly, the CBOD insists on transparent handling of emergency supply cases, requiring advance planning and stakeholder consensus to prevent arbitrary actions. Finally, the Chamber seeks empowerment to coordinate and submit Laycan schedules directly to the NPA, ensuring compliance, equity, and transparency within the system.
The CBOD emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s fuel security and urges government agencies to take decisive action. They warn that they “will not remain silent while regulatory systems are weakened and national interests disregarded.” The Ministry of Energy’s response to these demands will be closely scrutinized by stakeholders across the petroleum sector and the general public, serving as a critical test of the government’s commitment to transparent and efficient fuel import governance in Ghana. The situation underscores the importance of regulatory integrity and the potential consequences of its erosion, impacting not only the petroleum sector but also the broader Ghanaian economy and the citizens who rely on stable and affordable fuel prices.
