Accra/Dakar — Ghana’s state-owned fuel distributor BOST Energies has reduced diesel and gasoline exports to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali since August, prioritising domestic demand as rising consumption puts pressure on local supplies.

BOST Managing Director Afetsi Awoonor told Reuters that the company supplied only about half of the 80,000 metric tons of fuel requested by Burkina Faso in July and August.

During the same period, BOST exported 10,000 tons of fuel to Mali, despite the country requesting an additional 40,000 tons for August and September.

Domestic Demand Takes Priority

The decision highlights growing pressure on fuel supply across West Africa as global energy markets remain tight amid the effects of the Ukraine conflict and Middle East tensions.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger rely heavily on fuel imports from coastal countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast to meet domestic demand.

Ghana itself is experiencing increasing diesel consumption as economic activity expands. BOST currently accounts for about 30% of Ghana’s fuel market, with diesel representing roughly two-thirds of its supplies.

“Supply is available, but it’s at a high cost,” Awoonor said.

He added that the sharp increase in domestic demand has strained supplies and made it more difficult to keep fuel prices stable.

Fuel Prices Ease After Earlier Surge

Ghanaian fuel prices rose earlier in the year amid concerns over global supply disruptions but have subsequently eased, supported by a stronger currency and government measures.

However, the reduction in exports could put additional pressure on fuel-import-dependent Sahelian economies, particularly as they continue to face security and logistical challenges.

BOST Plans LPG Expansion

BOST is also preparing to expand Ghana’s liquefied petroleum gas infrastructure.

The company plans to build an LPG import terminal in Tema by the fourth quarter of 2027, with imports expected to begin once the facility is operational.

Awoonor said BOST also plans to develop an LPG storage facility in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, to support distribution.

The longer-term plan is to establish terminals at six locations across Ghana in phases, strengthening the country’s domestic LPG supply network.

Source: Reuters
Reporting: Florence Tan & Maxwell Akalaare Adombila
Editing: Robbie Corey-Boulet and David Goodman