Business News of Thursday, 24 July 2025

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ignore false reports of aviation fuel shortage – Ministry of Energy

John Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition John Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has debunked reports that there is a shortage of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) fuel in Ghana.

The ministry assured the public and all airlines that there is currently no shortage of ATK fuel, and sufficient supplies are available for all aircraft operations.

In a statement on July 24, 2025, it said; "Recent maintenance work was completed on the ATK jetty pipeline. This maintenance was long overdue, and further delays would have threatened the integrity of the jetty and the fuel security of Ghana. To further ensure a stable supply, Ghana recently received an ATK vessel carrying 11,984 metric tons (MT).

"Of this, 4,583 MT have already been successfully discharged to PWSL over the past two days. The remaining fuel is currently being discharged to Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and the Ridge Depots via the TOR Jetty, with completion expected by tomorrow, 25th July, 2025 at midday."

The ministry noted that the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has engaged with key stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector and the Management of Ghana Airport Company Limited.

"We reassure all stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm. We urge the public to disregard any false reports of ATK shortages in the country," the statement added.

Background

Airlines operating through Kotoka International Airport (KIA) were earlier advised to make prior refuelling arrangements with their service providers as Ghana braces for a potential shortage of aviation fuel.

The advisory, issued as a precautionary measure, aims to minimise operational delays and ensure flight safety amid concerns that limited fuel supply could disrupt schedules in the coming days.

Airlines have been urged to coordinate closely with fuel handlers before arrival to avoid last-minute complications.

According to a citinewsroom.com report, the anticipated shortage stems from supply challenges within the Joint User Hydrant Installation (JUHI) system at KIA.

The situation has forced the two main suppliers of aviation fuel, TotalEnergies and Shell, to suspend refuelling services indefinitely.

The suspension, which took immediate effect, affects both ad-hoc or spot flights and existing fuel orders, raising concerns over possible disruptions to scheduled airline operations.

Management of Kotoka International Airport has yet to officially comment on the matter or outline contingency measures to address the fuel shortfall.

However, sources indicate that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), which regulates fuel supply and distribution at the airport, is in active talks with stakeholders to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation.

SSD/AE

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