Tema Oil Refinery reports massive storage surge as production engines restart

Ghana's Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has achieved a remarkable 216% surge in product storage capacity over two years, according to Managing Director Edmond Kombat, marking a pivotal moment in the national refiner's turnaround after years of operational struggles. Storage volumes climbed from 426,954 metric tonnes in 2024 to 1,350,000 metric tonnes by 2026, reflecting intensified efforts to restore commercial operations and stabilise Ghana's petroleum supply chain.

The growth trajectory has been steep. Between 2024 and 2025, storage increased by 159.37%, rising to 1,107,389 metric tonnes, before climbing a further 21.91% to reach 1.35 million tonnes in 2026. Kombat presented these figures at the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House on 26 October 2026, emphasising that the expansion demonstrates renewed confidence in TOR among private petroleum operators and regional partners.

Operational recovery underway

TOR's turnaround has been swift since the current management took office in May 2025, when the refinery's critical processing units sat idle. The Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) had not operated since April 2021, while the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC) had been shut down since 2019—effectively rendering TOR a storage facility rather than a functioning refinery.

Management introduced several pragmatic measures to rebuild operations: tightening cash controls, extending loading gantry hours, and strengthening accountability protocols in product handling. These changes restored confidence among private petroleum companies, which began storing and lifting products through the facility once again. Most significantly, TOR resumed crude processing on 19 December 2025 following completion of turnaround maintenance on the CDU, marking the end of a nearly five-year hiatus for Ghana's key refining capacity.

The refinery has also secured renewed crude supplies and collaborative backing from critical institutions including the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), GOIL and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST).

Why it matters for Ghana

TOR's recovery directly affects Ghana's energy security and petroleum self-sufficiency. For years, the refinery's inactivity forced the country to rely more heavily on imported refined products, draining foreign exchange and creating supply vulnerabilities. A functioning TOR reduces import dependence, supports domestic fuel prices, and generates forex savings critical to Ghana's economy.

The surge in storage volumes also signals renewed commercial viability. Private petroleum firms investing in TOR storage and throughput demonstrates market confidence that the facility can meet industry standards. This attracts revenue through storage fees and handling charges—income essential to TOR's financial health and long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, TOR's revival aligns with Ghana's broader petroleum sector strategy. The country has invested heavily in developing downstream capacity, and a working refinery strengthens the entire value chain from extraction through to retail distribution. Job creation at TOR and related service providers adds economic momentum, particularly in the Tema industrial zone, a key economic hub.

Challenges remain: maintaining operational consistency, securing consistent crude feedstock, and competing with regional refineries will test management's resolve. However, the storage figures and December 2025 processing restart suggest TOR is transitioning from crisis to recovery—a shift that could reshape Ghana's energy landscape over the coming years.