Ghana could produce up to **half of its domestic fuel requirements locally** if the **Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)** and **Sentuo Oil Refinery** operate at full capacity, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the **Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Patrick Kwaku Ofori**.
Speaking on the **Citi Breakfast Show** on Monday, August 3, Mr Ofori said the combined refining capacity of the two facilities could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
He said expanding domestic refining was critical to improving Ghana’s energy security and reducing exposure to external supply shocks.
“If the two are able to operationalise to their full capacity, we are looking at 50% of our domestic consumption being produced locally,” he said.
Mr Ofori explained that increased local production would help lower the country’s dependence on imported fuel, reduce foreign exchange pressure associated with petroleum imports, and strengthen the resilience of the downstream petroleum sector.
However, he cautioned that local refining alone should not become Ghana’s only source of fuel supply.
According to him, the country must maintain a diversified supply system to guard against disruptions that could result from operational challenges at any refinery or petroleum infrastructure.
He noted that relying excessively on a single source could expose Ghana to supply interruptions and force emergency fuel imports, which are often more expensive and ultimately increase costs for consumers.
Mr Ofori also advocated policies that encourage competition within the downstream petroleum industry, arguing that a balanced operating environment would support investment, protect jobs and promote long-term growth.
He said stronger collaboration among industry players and government would be necessary to maximise the benefits of local refining and ensure a more sustainable petroleum sector.
The comments come amid growing discussions on strengthening Ghana’s domestic refining capacity and reducing the country’s exposure to volatility in international petroleum markets.
