The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Dr Patrick Kwaku Ofori, has assured consumers that Ghana will not experience fuel queues through December, citing secured supply arrangements.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, Dr Ofori said the arrangements would ensure a steady supply of petroleum products for consumers and oil marketing companies.
“And we can also assure the consuming public and our partners, the oil marketing companies, that supply will never be an issue,” he said.
He explained that bulk oil distributors had secured cargoes to meet the country’s fuel needs through December, adding that the deliveries were expected to arrive safely and prevent shortages.
“We can confidently say that by the end, up till now, till December, we’re going to have all the cargo locked in,” he stated.
Dr Ofori’s assurance comes amid what he described as a crisis in the petroleum supply environment. He said bulk oil distributors had continued to prioritise the domestic market, ensuring that Ghanaian consumers were served before considering exports to neighbouring countries.
“Almost all the big guys who were leading on the various leagues that were published have consistently served, and competed fairly and served the Ghanaian public before even thinking about exports into our neighbouring countries,” he said.
CBOD highlights industry oversight
Dr Ofori attributed the consistent availability of petroleum products partly to responsible business practices among members of the Chamber.
He said CBOD maintained transparency in its dealings with regulators and encouraged members to exercise internal oversight to prevent unfair practices and protect consumers.
“We even self-regulate ourselves and ensure that nobody takes advantage of the consuming public,” he said.
He acknowledged that disagreements could arise within the industry but stressed the importance of allowing distributors to sell products they had already imported and priced.
According to him, distributors must recover the funds invested in imported petroleum products to meet their financial obligations to international trading partners and the banks that finance their operations.
Dr Ofori maintained that the commitment of bulk distributors, together with the cooperation and awareness of consumers and oil marketing companies, would help sustain fuel availability and prevent queues at filling stations through December.
