Domestic petroleum consumption in Ghana reached about 7.45 billion litres in 2025, while total demand for petroleum products increased by about 15%, Energy and Green Transition Minister Dr John Jinapor has said.
Speaking in a statement delivered on his behalf during the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) Consumer Week celebration last week, Dr Jinapor said the figures represented millions of daily transactions between energy operators and consumers.
He said the sector’s growth had to be matched by systems capable of making those transactions safe, fair and accountable.
“To build a safe downstream sector and consumer confidence, we need three commitments: consumer awareness, effective regulation and protection, and responsible energy use,” he said.
Dr Jinapor described informed consumers as the first line of protection. Although the NPA inspects outlets nationwide, he said no inspector could be present at every pump or in every kitchen.
Consumers should check pump readings and displayed prices, request receipts and use filling stations whose pumps carry the green Ghana Standards Authority verification sticker. Anyone doubtful about the quantity supplied should request a check with the 10-litre measuring can, commonly known as the Ntease Kuruwa.
He also warned consumers not to buy fuel from unlicensed sellers or through illegal siphoning. LPG users should reject damaged or unmarked cylinders, inspect hoses and regulators regularly, and cook in well-ventilated areas.
Suspected under-delivery, poor-quality fuel, unsafe practices and unfair treatment should be reported to the NPA’s Consumer Services Directorate and its complaints channels.
“A consumer who reports irregularity is not creating a problem; that consumer is protecting others,” Dr Jinapor said, adding that complaints could reveal patterns requiring investigation rather than simply being closed.
He praised the NPA’s consumer education work in markets, transport terminals and communities, including the Asogli Yam Festival and Oguaa Fetu Afahye, and urged traditional authorities, the media, transport unions and civil society to continue spreading the message throughout the year.
On regulation, Dr Jinapor said inspections, monitoring and quality assurance by the NPA, in partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority and security agencies, were needed to ensure accurate dispensing, prevent adulteration and combat illegal petroleum activity.
He said nearly 30% of cylinders submitted to the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company for refurbishment were defective, despite having been kept in people’s homes.
The government therefore supported the Cylinder Recirculation Model, under which empty cylinders are exchanged for safely filled and inspected ones, while defective cylinders are removed. The scheme is operating in Accra, Kumasi and Tema, and will be expanded with attention to education, existing refilling-station investment, access and affordability.
Dr Jinapor said extensions to three petroleum agreements, including Offshore Cape Three Points, had unlocked about US$3.5 billion in upstream investment over the next three years. GNPC and its partners had also agreed terms to upgrade the OCTP gas project, potentially increasing production by up to 350 million standard cubic feet a day by 2028.
He urged operators to provide full measures, quality products, transparent prices, safe facilities and respectful service, warning that businesses cutting corners would face the full force of the law.
Motorists were advised to maintain vehicles, switch off engines while refuelling and avoid unapproved fuel containers. LPG users should maintain equipment, ventilate kitchens and close cylinder valves after use.
Dr Jinapor also appealed to the public not to collect fuel spilled after tanker accidents, but to keep away, contact emergency services and allow trained personnel to respond.
