CBOD Accuses Energy Ministry of Fuel Import Chaos, Demands Urgent Reforms After $40M Demurrage Loss

The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has issued a strong warning to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition over repeated disruptions to Ghana’s Laycan import schedule, which it says have led to over $40 million in demurrage costs between January and June 2025.

In a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Kwaku Ofori, on Tuesday, June 24, the CBOD criticized what it described as arbitrary and frequent changes to the Laycan schedule—a system agreed upon by industry stakeholders to coordinate the arrival and discharge of petroleum cargo at Ghanaian ports.

“These disruptions must stop. The Ministry must act immediately,” the CBOD emphasized.

According to the Chamber, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)—which manages the Laycan schedule—has altered it at least 11 times in the first half of 2025 alone. These unilateral adjustments, the CBOD says, have caused severe delays, with some vessels left waiting up to 30 days, leading to hefty demurrage charges and higher operational costs for Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs).

These extra costs have ultimately been passed on to consumers, increasing fuel prices by between GHS 0.47 and GHS 0.60 per litre during the period.

Regulatory Failure and Ignored Presidential Directive

CBOD further condemned the unauthorized berthing of vessels—specifically citing the MT Marlin Ametrine—as clear violations of both the agreed Laycan schedule and a presidential directive issued following a June 12 petition by the Chamber.

“This undermines the regulatory progress we’ve made and poses serious risks to Ghana’s petroleum sector,” the statement said.

CBOD alleged that some disruptions are being driven by foreign traders—particularly Nigerian intermediaries displaced by the operations of the Dangote Refinery—who are leveraging political connections to access Ghana’s fuel market, threatening national fuel security.

Industry Turmoil and Public Impact

The Chamber warned that the disorganized handling of the Laycan process is eroding investor confidence, increasing operational risk, and disrupting the fuel supply chain. It also emphasized that Ghanaian consumers are unfairly bearing the brunt of the regulatory mismanagement.

“Every unauthorized berthing brings chaos, increases costs, and distorts pump prices,” CBOD noted.

Demands for Urgent Reform

To resolve the situation, CBOD outlined four key demands:

1. Immediate suspension of BIDECs without assigned Laycan slots, with the responsible parties bearing the full cost of any disruptions.
2. Mandatory consultation with the Laycan Review Committee before any changes to the schedule are made.
3. Transparent handling of emergency supply needs, with advanced planning and stakeholder consensus.
4. CBOD to be empowered to coordinate and submit Laycan schedules to the NPA, ensuring fairness and accountability.

CBOD reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s fuel security and urged swift government action.

“We cannot remain silent while the integrity of our regulatory system and national interest is compromised,” the Chamber concluded.

With fuel prices continuing to impact Ghanaians, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Energy’s next move in what could become a major test of its commitment to reform and regulatory enforcement.