The Centre for Media, Society and Economic Studies (CEMSE) says delays in developing alternative facilities for discharging petroleum products are contributing to higher costs in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, with demurrage charges estimated to add between GH¢0.47 and GH¢0.60 to the cost of each litre of fuel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the think tank called for urgent investment in alternative petroleum discharge infrastructure, warning that Ghana’s continued dependence on the major facility at Tema is exposing the sector to congestion, delays and additional costs.
CEMSE said the sector recorded cumulative demurrage costs of approximately US$61.6 million in 2025, compared with a historical annual estimate of about US$35 million.
It added that approximately US$46.73 million had reportedly been incurred in demurrage costs in 2026 as of the date of its statement.
According to the organisation, the associated costs translate into an additional burden of between GH¢0.47 and GH¢0.60 per litre of petroleum products, equivalent to approximately 2.63% to 3.35% of the retail pump price.
CEMSE argued that reducing discharge delays through additional infrastructure and improved operational efficiency could lower the cost burden on petroleum users.
“The implication is that petroleum users would have been paying less and saving at least GH¢0.47 on a litre of petroleum products if the cost of discharging is reduced through additional infrastructure and improved operational efficiency,” the statement said.
CEMSE said Ghana’s reliance on the major petroleum discharge facility at Tema, which it estimates handles about 75% of petroleum discharges, creates operational and supply-chain vulnerabilities.
It warned that the absence of alternative mooring systems increases the risk of vessel congestion, prolonged waiting times and delays in discharging petroleum products, potentially disrupting timely supplies.
The think tank also pointed to the growth in petroleum product imports over the past decade, arguing that infrastructure development has not kept pace with demand.
It said product supply increased from 3,528,583 metric tonnes in 2015 to 6,089,046 metric tonnes in 2025, representing an increase of about 73%.
Over the same period, the number of Bulk Oil Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs) rose from 37 in 2015 to 53 in 2026, an increase of approximately 43%.
CEMSE said the growth in product volumes and the number of operators had not been matched by an expansion of mooring infrastructure.
The organisation has also called for a review of the existing exclusivity arrangement governing petroleum discharge infrastructure, including its scope and implications for future investment.
It wants government to assess the regulatory and institutional barriers that may be preventing the development of alternative facilities and establish a framework to encourage credible private-sector investment.
“Alternative petroleum discharge infrastructure should be incorporated into the country’s long-term downstream petroleum infrastructure and energy security planning, with defined investment priorities, implementation timelines and appropriate regulatory oversight,” it said.
CEMSE’s statement follows an arrangement reportedly granted in 2015 to a South African entity, giving it exclusive rights to operate without a competing facility for 15 years.
The organisation says the arrangement has left Ghana with limited room for competing infrastructure investment.
CEMSE has urged government to provide clear policy direction and take steps to address the infrastructure gap.
As of November 5, 2026, government had not publicly responded to the organisation’s call for a review of the arrangement.
Press statement on delays in infrastructure development – CEMSEDownload