CEMSE: Delayed Alternative Petroleum Mooring Facility Adding to Fuel Costs in GhanaThe Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) has raised concerns over the prolonged delay in developing an alternative petroleum mooring facility in Ghana, warning that the situation is contributing to higher operational costs and potentially increasing fuel prices at the pumps.In a press statement issued in Accra on November 5, 2026, CEMSE said the failure to develop alternative petroleum discharge infrastructure since 2016 raises concerns about investment facilitation, regulatory policy, infrastructure diversification and national energy security.
The organisation noted that a South African entity was reportedly granted an exclusive 15-year right to operate without a competing facility in 2015, leaving approximately three years before the reported exclusivity period expires.According to CEMSE, petroleum product inflows increased from 3.53 million metric tonnes in 2015 to 6.09 million metric tonnes in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 73 per cent. However, it said there had been no corresponding expansion in mooring infrastructure over the period.
The number of Bulk Oil Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs) also increased from 37 in 2015 to 53 in 2026, representing a 43 per cent rise, while transit petroleum product volumes to landlocked neighbouring countries increased by about 40 per cent.CEMSE further highlighted the growing dependence on the Tema petroleum discharge facility, which it said handles approximately 75 per cent of the country’s petroleum imports.It warned that relying heavily on a single major discharge facility exposes Ghana’s downstream petroleum supply chain to vessel congestion, prolonged discharge delays, extended waiting times and potential disruptions to the timely delivery of petroleum products.Demurrage costs push up fuel pricesThe organisation identified demurrage charges as one of the major financial consequences of the infrastructure constraints.It said Ghana’s petroleum sector reportedly recorded cumulative demurrage exposure of approximately US$61.6 million in 2025, compared with a historical annual estimate of US$35 million.
Average daily demurrage charges were estimated at US$45,000, while costs incurred during the first half of 2025 alone reportedly amounted to US$21.6 million.CEMSE further disclosed that approximately US$46.73 million had reportedly been incurred in demurrage costs in 2026 as of the date of its statement.The organisation estimated that the associated costs translate into an additional avoidable expense of between GH¢0.47 and GH¢0.60 per litre of petroleum products, equivalent to approximately 2.63 to 3.35 per cent of the retail pump price.It argued that consumers could potentially save at least GH¢0.47 per litre if petroleum discharge costs were reduced through additional infrastructure and improved operational efficiency.
Although acknowledging that demurrage charges could arise from several factors, including vessel scheduling, port congestion, discharge capacity and operational arrangements, CEMSE maintained that inadequate diversification of petroleum discharge infrastructure remains an important factor that must be addressed.The organisation also acknowledged that other discharge facilities and jetties have been developed over the years to support the industry. However, it said their existence does not necessarily guarantee sufficient alternative mooring capacity to meet the country’s growing petroleum discharge requirements.Calls for review of exclusivity arrangementCEMSE is therefore calling for a review of the existing exclusivity arrangement, including its scope and implications for future investment in petroleum discharge infrastructure.It is also urging government to assess the regulatory and institutional barriers preventing the development of alternative facilities and establish a clear framework to facilitate credible private-sector investment.The organisation further recommended that alternative petroleum discharge infrastructure be incorporated into Ghana’s long-term downstream petroleum infrastructure and energy security plans, with clearly defined investment priorities, implementation timelines and appropriate regulatory oversight.It stressed that Ghana’s petroleum supply security should not depend excessively on a limited number of critical infrastructure assets.CEMSE said developing alternative mooring facilities would increase discharge capacity, improve operational flexibility, reduce vessel congestion and waiting times, strengthen supply-chain resilience and potentially lower avoidable costs within the downstream petroleum sector.”The time for a clear policy direction and decisive action is now,” the organisation stated.
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