We are ready for the fuel ‘storm’ – National Petroleum Authority

By: Ashiadey Dotse

Ghana’s fuel market is facing fresh pressure as rising international oil prices push up the cost of petroleum products, but the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) says it is ready to weather the storm.

NPA Chief Executive Officer, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, says the Authority has been preparing to deal with turbulence in the downstream petroleum sector, particularly because Ghana depends heavily on imported refined fuel.

He made the remarks on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition amid recent increases in fuel prices.

The NPA raised the price floor for petrol to GH¢16 per litre and diesel to GH¢16.77 per litre from September 16, 2026.

The move has already been followed by higher pump prices at some fuel stations. Star Oil, for instance, is selling petrol at GH¢16.77 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.77 per litre.

Mr. Tamakloe said Ghana’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products leaves the country exposed whenever international market conditions change.

“Having to be the Chief Executive Officer of the downstream, I appreciated the fact that we are primarily import-dependent when it comes to refined petroleum products,” he said.

He said he had therefore always expected the possibility of serious disruptions in the sector. “So, I’ve always been, you know, let me say, ready for the potential for turbulence,” he added.

According to the NPA boss, the current pressure is part of the challenges that come with managing a sector exposed to global market shocks.

He said the Authority must remain ready to act regardless of whether market conditions are favourable or difficult. “What I believe is that leadership in this particular instance, there are issues, and we believe that in good or bad times, you need to have a leadership response to both sides,” he stated.

Mr. Tamakloe disclosed that the NPA has been dealing with the current turbulence since February. “And so, I would say that we are kind of ready, and from February till now, we’ve been trying to, as it were, manage the turbulence, manage the storm,” he said.

Despite the pressure on the sector and the impact on fuel prices, Mr. Tamakloe said the NPA’s management of the situation so far had been positive. “And the management so far has not been bad at all,” he added.

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