TOR resumes crude oil processing after four years maintenance shutdown

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has restarted crude oil processing after completing its first major turnaround maintenance in four years.

He made the disclosure at the commissioning of Phase II of the Sentuo Oil Refinery on Thursday, June 25, where he said the development is part of wider reforms being rolled out in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector to enhance efficiency and expand local refining capacity.

According to him, the Petroleum Downstream Sector Reform Committee has concluded its mandate and submitted its recommendations, which are now being implemented to improve operational performance across the sector.

President Mahama further indicated that measures are being put in place to strengthen TOR’s efficiency and increase its refining capacity. He noted that once the refinery reaches full operational capacity in July, it is expected to receive a consignment of Ghana’s own crude oil.

He also pointed out that despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in energy markets, Ghana has been able to maintain stable petroleum supply through coordinated interventions by key institutions in the sector.

He added that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, working together with the National Petroleum Authority and other stakeholders, has ensured the steady maintenance of strategic fuel reserves and uninterrupted supply nationwide.

“I’m pleased to report that the Tema oil refinery has completed its first major turnaround maintenance exercise in four years and has resumed Crude oil processing. Plans are also underway to enhance its operational efficiency and increase its refining capacity, and my understanding is that in July, when they have fully ramped up the capacity, they will also receive a parcel of Ghana’s own crude,” he stated.