Delays in alternative petroleum discharge facility adding up to GH¢0.60 per litre in costs – CEMSE
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.