BOSTenergies denies fuel shortage as reason for reduced exports to Burkina Faso, Mali

BOSTenergies has clarified that the reduction in its fuel export volumes to Burkina Faso and Mali is not due to an imminent fuel shortage in Ghana.

The clarification follows a Reuters report that BOSTenergies had reduced diesel and gasoline exports to Burkina Faso and Mali since August as domestic demand increased.

According to the report, BOST supplied about half of the 80,000 metric tonnes of fuel requested by Burkina Faso in July and August, while Mali received 10,000 tonnes despite requesting an additional 40,000 tonnes for August and September.

However, the state-owned fuel distributor said the reduction in regional supplies is largely due to ongoing revamp works at its Bolgatanga depot, which serves as its main gateway to the Sahelian market.

“BOSTenergies wishes to correct an inaccurate implication carried by the published report that the reduction in regional export volumes reflects an imminent fuel shortage in Ghana, warranting the rationing of available supply to Burkina Faso and Mali to safeguard local supply security,” the company said in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17.

BOSTenergies said the Bolgatanga depot is undergoing revamp works and is nearing completion, affecting its normal distribution route to the northern and Sahelian markets.

Under normal operations, the company said it transports fuel to the northern part of the country through an integrated network of pipelines and barges connecting its depots from southern Ghana.

It said the network allows it to supply Burkina Faso and Mali at competitive prices while meeting its commercial requirements.

In the interim, BOSTenergies said it had maintained regional supplies by transporting petroleum products by Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs) from its coastal depot in Tema.

The company said this arrangement is being implemented while also ensuring equitable access to fuel across demand zones in Ghana.

It added that no political, security or diplomatic consideration influenced the reduction in export volumes.

“Full regional supply capacity will be restored on completion of the Bolgatanga depot revamp,” BOSTenergies said.