Tema Oil Refinery processes local Jubilee crude for energy security

The Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Edmond Kombat, has announced that the facility is successfully processing Ghanaian Jubilee Medium Sweet crude, refuting claims that the refinery lacks the technical capacity for domestic oil. Speaking during a press briefing in Accra on October 26, 2026, Kombat emphasized that the refinery’s revival is a central component of the government's strategy to retain value within the domestic economy and ensure energy sovereignty. The refinery, which had been largely inactive since 2021, resumed operations on December 19, 2025, following an extensive maintenance and refurbishment program supported by President John Mahama’s administration.

The operational turnaround has led to a significant expansion in storage capacity. According to management, TOR recorded a 216.19 percent increase in product storage volumes between 2024 and 2026. Data shows that storage rose from 426,954 metric tonnes in 2024 to 1,107,389 metric tonnes in 2025, reaching 1,350,000 metric tonnes by late 2026. This growth is part of a broader effort to boost confidence among petroleum service providers and enhance the sustainability of the national supply chain. Kombat noted that these improvements have allowed the refinery to meet the fuel needs of specific sectors, such as providing premix fuel for fisherfolks, without the shortages previously experienced.

Beyond domestic benefits, TOR’s recovery has positioned Ghana as a vital energy hub for the West African sub-region. Collaborative efforts between TOR, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) have resulted in a surge of petroleum product movements to neighboring countries. Specifically, the share of Burkina Faso’s fuel supply transiting through or supplied by Ghana has increased from 15 percent in 2024 to 40 percent in 2026. This regional integration strengthens the refinery's commercial viability while supporting the energy requirements of landlocked neighbors.

Kombat further highlighted that restoring refining capacity has shielded Ghana from the volatility of international petroleum markets, particularly disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran conflict. By leveraging domestic crude supplies and increasing storage reserves, the country has built a buffer against the geopolitical tensions that often lead to global supply shocks. President Mahama, who previously commissioned the refurbished units at the refinery, has reiterated that a functional TOR is essential for reducing dependency on imported petroleum products and stabilizing the cost of living for Ghanaians.