The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) has reduced fuel exports to Burkina Faso and Mali in a move aimed at ensuring adequate supplies for the domestic market as global energy markets remain under pressure.
Managing Director Afetsi Awoonor disclosed that the state-owned fuel distributor began limiting diesel and petrol shipments to the two neighbouring countries in August after rising local demand and higher international procurement costs placed additional strain on supplies.
According to him, Burkina Faso sought about 80,000 metric tonnes of fuel over July and August, but BOST was able to deliver only around half of that volume. Mali also received lower-than-requested supplies, with the company exporting about 10,000 metric tonnes despite an additional request for 40,000 metric tonnes covering August and September.
The decision comes at a time when fuel-importing Sahel nations—including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—continue to rely heavily on supplies from coastal countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The three countries are governed by military administrations and continue to grapple with persistent insurgencies linked to extremist groups.
Awoonor explained that BOST’s priority is to guarantee uninterrupted fuel availability within Ghana, where the company controls roughly 30 percent of the petroleum distribution market. He noted that expanding economic activity has significantly increased diesel consumption, making it more difficult to balance domestic needs with export commitments.
Although fuel remains available on the international market, he said acquisition costs have risen sharply, creating pressure on supply chains and making efforts to maintain stable local pump prices more challenging. Diesel currently represents about two-thirds of the company’s total fuel volumes.
Ghana experienced increases in fuel prices earlier this year amid concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies following geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. However, prices have moderated in recent months, supported by the appreciation of the cedi and measures introduced by the government.
Beyond addressing immediate supply concerns, BOST is also preparing to expand its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure. The company intends to construct an LPG import terminal in Tema by the fourth quarter of next year as part of plans to begin importing cooking gas directly.
In addition, BOST plans to establish an LPG storage and distribution facility in Kumasi. The project forms part of a broader nationwide expansion strategy under which similar terminals are expected to be developed in six locations in phases, with the aim of improving the distribution and availability of cooking gas across the country.