The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has cautioned government against plans to remove the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) margin, warning that such a move could weaken Ghana’s fuel supply system and derail key infrastructure projects.
In a statement issued on April 12, 2026, the policy think tank stressed that the BOST margin remains a vital source of funding for the operations and expansion of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited. According to IES, the margin plays a critical role in financing storage facilities and improving fuel distribution across the country.
The institute noted that Ghana’s fuel consumption has grown steadily over the past two decades, driven by economic expansion, urbanisation, and increasing transport demand. However, infrastructure development particularly in the middle and northern parts of the country has not kept pace with this growth. This gap, IES warned, continues to expose some regions to supply challenges and higher fuel distribution costs.
IES further highlighted the strategic importance of BOST in maintaining national fuel reserves and ensuring stable supply. It cautioned that removing the margin at this stage could significantly reduce the company’s ability to invest in essential infrastructure and logistics.
“Scrapping the BOST margin at this critical time will stall ongoing and planned projects, weaken investment capacity, and heighten fuel supply risks, especially in underserved areas,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the need to ease the burden on consumers, IES urged government to avoid dismantling long-term financing mechanisms in pursuit of short-term relief. Instead, the institute proposed alternative measures such as temporarily suspending the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy (PSRL), allowing flexible pricing across petroleum products, and marginally reducing certain energy sector levies, including the so-called “Dumsor Levy.”
IES maintained that preserving the BOST margin is essential for strengthening Ghana’s petroleum infrastructure and safeguarding long-term fuel security.
