The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has warned of potential fuel price hikes in Ghana due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to COPEC, the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, compounded by recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, threatens global oil supply and may impact fuel-importing countries like Ghana.
COPEC’s concerns stem from the risk of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas transportation route, which could disrupt supply and lead to price volatility.
Speaking in a recent interview, Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, expressed concern over the potential ripple effects on crude oil prices.
He urged consumers to brace for possible increases and is calling on policymakers to monitor global developments closely and adopt mitigation strategies to cushion the effects on Ghanaians.
“This week is likely to see a lot of activity on the international front as far as fuel pricing or petroleum pricing is concerned and Ghana clearly cannot be excused that possibility of paying more for fuel”.
“What I see happening locally is that the BDCs may take a cue knowing well that it is riskier landing cargo than it was a week before due to the tensions on the strait and so I will not be surprised that in the course of the week some BDCs will adjust their prices upwards and once that happens some of the OMCs will clearly have to follow because they buy directly from the BDCs,” he said.
Although the second pricing window of June brought relief to consumers, Mr. Amoah noted that, he doesn’t anticipate this trend continuing into July’s first pricing window.
He applauded government for the decision to suspend the proposed GH¢1 increment under the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL).
“Anytime crude oil prices go up, the net effect on prices of finished petroleum products is usually felt between 5-7 days and I am sure this new week prices globally as far as Platt is concerned would not come funny and so whatever the oil marketing companies should decide for the first window July to do…will probably need to be justified but I do think that clearly Ghanaians should expect upward adjustment in fuel prices due to the geopolitical across the Middle East,” he added.
The executive secretary of COPEC called on government to get the Tema Oil refinery back on its feet even as management of TOR says it is on track to resume full operations by October 2025.
