Sentuo offers fuel supply reassurance as NPA sees steady output through December

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has assured the public that Sentuo Oil Refinery will continue to produce fuel consistently until December 2026, offering a vital domestic supply in addition to imports. This assurance was given by NPA Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo in an interview with JoyNews on September 18. Tameklo's comments come as more focus is placed on local refineries' role in enhancing Ghana's fuel supply and lessening dependence on imported petroleum products.

Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) President, Dr Patrick Kwaku Ofori, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Sentuo and Tema Oil Refinery operating locally. In an interview with Citi News on September 16, Dr Ofori stated that these two refineries could potentially cover 25% to 30% of Ghana's national fuel consumption, with imports making up the remainder. He also called for increased refining capacity and better efficiency to enable a larger share of the country's petroleum needs to be met domestically.

However, Dr Ofori cautioned that enhanced domestic refining would not necessarily result in reduced pump prices, as refineries still buy crude at internationally set prices. He clarified that an immediate drop in pump prices due to the return of local refining is improbable. Dr Ofori criticized the GH¢2-per-litre fuel subsidy, arguing that it may not provide equal benefits to all consumers.

Instead, he proposed more investment in public transport and a long-term energy strategy. He also warned that persistent global petroleum supply disruptions could still affect Ghana.

For consumers, the expected steady production from Sentuo addresses domestic supply capacity, while pump prices will be affected by international crude prices and other market factors.