Ghana petroleum downstream liberalization supported by CEMSE

Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), has expressed support for the Ghanaian government’s decision to liberalize the petroleum downstream sector. The policy focuses on the ownership and operation of petroleum depots, moving away from the previous monopoly held by the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST).

Nsiah argues that allowing Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) to establish and operate their own depots will foster competition and efficiency, potentially leading to lower fuel prices for consumers. Additionally, he endorsed allowing private BDCs to hold strategic petroleum stocks, suggesting this move would enhance national energy security and ensure product accessibility even if BOST faces liquidity constraints.