The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has underscored the growing importance of consumer protection in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, as fuel consumption continues to rise significantly.
Speaking at an event by the National Petroleum Authority NPA, to mark World Consumer Rights Day, CEO of COMAC Dr Riverson Oppong expressed appreciation to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for the invitation, noting that the occasion aligns directly with the Chamber’s core mandate of ensuring industry accountability and consumer trust.
According to him, Ghana’s petroleum consumption increased from 6.46 billion litres in 2024 to 7.45 billion litres in 2025, representing a 15.29 percent year-on-year growth. Petrol and diesel consumption rose sharply by 18.88 percent and 18.16 percent respectively, reflecting increased economic activity and demand for mobility.
He said the upward trend has persisted into 2026, with 670.7 million litres of petroleum products consumed in January alone, marking an 8.94 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The CEO noted that the rising consumption levels heighten the responsibility on industry players, stressing that “as volumes increase, the tolerance for error declines,” with each litre of fuel carrying significant implications for safety, quality, and public confidence.
The Chamber highlighted that its 213 member companies, comprising Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs), play a critical role in sustaining economic activity, supporting transportation, agriculture, industry, and households nationwide.
It emphasized that maintaining product integrity is non-negotiable, warning that while quality assurance reinforces public trust, any compromise could erode confidence in the sector.
Referencing the origins of World Consumer Rights Day, Dr. Riverson Oppong recalled the four fundamental consumer rights first articulated by John F. Kennedy in 1962: the right to safety, to be informed, to choose, and to be heard.
The Chamber explained that these principles remain highly relevant in Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry, where consumers must be protected from substandard products, provided with accurate pricing and information, offered competitive choices, and given effective channels to lodge complaints.
Dr Oppong further indicated that the chamber continues to collaborate with the NPA and other stakeholders to strengthen regulatory standards through policy engagement, technical support, capacity building, and improved monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
However, he stressed that consumer participation is equally vital, urging the public to remain vigilant by checking pump readings, demanding transparency, reporting irregularities, and patronizing compliant service providers.
Looking ahead, COMAC projected sustained growth in fuel demand driven by economic expansion, increased transport needs, and rising industrial consumption. It warned that this would place additional pressure on supply chains and infrastructure, necessitating stricter adherence to standards and continuous investment in safety and operational efficiency.
The Chamber concluded that the long-term success of the downstream petroleum sector would depend not only on sales volumes but on the industry’s ability to protect and serve consumers effectively.
It commended the NPA for prioritizing consumer protection in this year’s celebration and called on all stakeholders to treat it as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-day event.