Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) says poor coordination in fuel imports has cost businesses over $40 million between January and June 2025.
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In a statement, CBOD criticized the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for revising the Laycan schedule at least 11 times in six months, without consulting industry players. Each revision reportedly affected up to 10 cargoes and caused average delays of 30 days per incident.
“These disruptions have raised demurrage costs, which end up inflating fuel prices at the pump,” CBOD explained.
The Laycan schedule was meant to ensure smooth, timely imports. However, CBOD says NPA changed it four times in the first quarter and seven more in the second. This, they argue, undermines planning and leads to significant financial strain on Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs).
Moreover, the group warned about rising non-compliance. It cited instances where the NPA allowed companies without assigned slots to berth, citing vague emergencies. A key example was the MT Marlin Ametrine, which docked on June 23 despite violating both the schedule and a presidential directive.
CBOD alleges that foreign traders displaced by Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery are entering the Ghanaian market through politically connected intermediaries. This, they say, undermines fairness and trust in the system.
On June 12, the group sent a formal petition to the Presidency. In response, the President instructed the Ministry of Energy to act swiftly. Yet, CBOD claims the problems persist.
“Allowing unscheduled vessels to dock outside protocol sets a dangerous precedent,” the group warned.
They’re now pushing for urgent policy reform. These include better enforcement, more transparency in emergency approvals, and accountability from regulators.
In conclusion, CBOD says these lapses threaten national fuel security and damage public trust in the system.
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