Ghana: LPG Consumption Surges By 5.04% In First Half Of 2025
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption across the Republic of Ghana increased to 168.6 million kilograms in the first half of 2025, up from 160.5 million kilograms during the same period in 2024 — representing a 5.04 percent growth.
Despite the marginal overall increase, industry data released by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) shows a steep decline in LPG consumption in some parts of the country, while other regions recorded significant gains.
At the regional level, the data revealed that the Upper West Region recorded the sharpest growth at 85.93 percent, more than doubling its volumes to 10.8 million kilograms. It was followed by the Upper East Region at 24.43 percent, and the Ashanti Region at 18.28 percent in the first half of the year.
The Greater Accra Region recorded 12.22 percent, Central Region 13.01 percent, and Western Region 11.48 percent, while the Eastern Region saw a modest 1.32 percent growth.
However, the report showed a steady decline in consumption in the Northern, Volta, and Brong Ahafo regions. Consumption in the Northern Region declined by 49.53 percent, Volta by 31.09 percent, and Brong Ahafo by 8.34 percent — a trend that may suggest accessibility and affordability challenges in these areas.
“This unevenness highlights the need for continuous stakeholder dialogue, affordable pricing, and a stronger CRM rollout to close gaps between high- and low-adoption regions. While CRM has improved availability and access, affordability remains a critical barrier, with rising LPG prices pushing many households back to charcoal — undermining both market penetration and long-term policy sustainability,” the report stated.
Kenya Power To Boost Electricity Supply In Kwale
Kenya’s electricity utility company, Kenya Power, has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading electricity supply in the coastal county of Kwale, the Kenya News Agency has reported, citing an official of the company.
Kenya Power has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Kwale County Government to improve electricity supply and connectivity across the region.
During a meeting with County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo and other senior county officials, KPLC Kwale County Business Manager, Eric Momanyi, highlighted ongoing efforts to expand electricity access in the county.
He noted that a new substation currently under construction in Kwale Town will significantly improve power distribution and stability in the region.
Momanyi explained that the new project is expected to extend reliable electricity to far-flung areas such as Kinango Sub-County and support upcoming industrial and public projects.
He further announced plans to replace faulty transformers, upgrade old power installations, and add new feeder lines to stabilize power supply within the coastal region.
“The new substation will be a game-changer for Kwale. It will not only stabilize power in the region but also support growing demands from upcoming industrial and public projects,” said Momanyi.
The public power utility firm has pledged to enhance electricity supply through infrastructure upgrades and improved customer engagement.
Momanyi lauded Kwale County for its excellent record in meeting electricity payments, noting that the meeting sought to collectively address challenges and improve service delivery.
He, however, emphasized that power theft and non-payment remain major setbacks to stable electricity supply in the region.
Momanyi underscored the critical role of community involvement in safeguarding power installations—especially transformers—to prevent service interruptions.
He said Kwale leads among coastal counties in timely bill payments, a reflection of the county’s efficiency and accountability.
Momanyi also called on residents to help protect power infrastructure, warning that vandalism and theft undermine reliable electricity supply.
“By securing our power network, we reduce risks and ensure more reliable electricity supply for our customers,” he said.
County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the county’s commitment to supporting Kenya Power’s efforts to expand electricity access.
She said the Last-Mile Connectivity Project will enhance operational efficiency, reduce crime, and extend business hours for local traders.
Chidodo stressed that reliable power is key to achieving Kwale’s development agenda and improving service delivery to residents.
“We are glad to see this level of engagement from Kenya Power. Our shared goal is to ensure that every public facility and project—especially in rural areas—has access to reliable electricity,” said Chidodo.
She noted that among the priority areas identified for collaboration between Kenya Power and the county government are the County Aggregated Industrial Park (CAIP) in Lunga Lunga Sub-County and the Fruit Processing Plant in Matuga Sub-County.
According to Chidodo, other county infrastructure across various departments will also benefit from the improved electricity connections.
Uganda: Gov’t Sets $500 Billion Economic Vision Anchored On Clean, Sustainable Energy
The Government of Uganda has set an ambitious goal of transforming the country into a $500 billion economy through clean, affordable, and sustainable energy, underscoring its commitment to industrial growth, job creation, and inclusive development.
This target is outlined under the government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which redefines energy not merely as a utility but as a key driver of job creation, industrial development, and long-term socioeconomic transformation.
“Through the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, Uganda aims to fuel a USD 500 billion economy powered by clean, affordable, and sustainable energy that drives industrialization, supports livelihoods, and secures a brighter future for every citizen,” Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said.
She made this while addressing participants at the Sustainable Energy Development Programme Performance Review, held in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2025 (REC25) in Kampala.
The three-day event attracted over 500 participants from government, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to review sector progress, exchange innovations, and identify new investment opportunities.
Uganda’s energy access rate has reached 60%, reflecting continued investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure nationwide.
Major transmission projects—including Karuma–Kawanda (248 km), Gulu–Kole–Nebbi–Arua (298 km), and Opuyo–Moroto (160 km)—have enhanced grid reliability and expanded electricity supply to homes, industries, and social facilities.
Under the theme “From Access to Impact: Powering Uganda’s Transformation through Sustainable Energy,” Nankabirwa said the next phase, aligned with NDP IV, will focus on scaling generation capacity to 15,420 MW by 2030 and 52,481 MW by 2040, alongside modernizing networks and promoting off-grid systems.
Recent projects such as the 6 MW Nyagak III Hydropower Plant and the 20 MW Nkonge Solar PV Plant have added new capacity, while more than 200,000 new grid connections have been made, integrating the West Nile region into the national grid for the first time.
Off-grid and mini-grid initiatives remain vital in bringing electricity to remote communities, bridging the country’s energy divide.
As part of its clean energy transition, the government is implementing the Biofuels Blending Programme and the National Clean Cooking Strategy to curb dependence on biomass and protect the environment.
At REC25, Uganda also launched the Clean Cooking Unit (CCU), a national initiative that seeks to transition 50% of households to clean cooking technologies by 2030.
The programme is backed by UK bilateral support and the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) initiative. The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, hailed the initiative, stressing that clean cooking access is essential for public health, gender equality, and climate resilience.
Minister Nankabirwa lauded the collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector, urging sustained momentum toward the country’s clean energy goals.
“We must continue working together to build an energy sector that powers industries, lights every home, and positions Uganda as a regional leader in energy-led transformation,” she emphasized.
Uganda’s evolving energy landscape underscores a shift toward sustainability, equity, and economic resilience, with clean energy positioned as a central pillar of its development agenda. As the transition accelerates, energy will not only power homes and businesses but also propel Uganda’s rise as a competitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.
Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Fourth-Largest Oil Refinery, Disrupting 80,000 bpd Of Output
Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery—its fourth-largest and a key Rosneft asset southeast of Moscow—was forced to halt a major crude distillation unit after a Ukrainian drone attack set part of the facility ablaze this week, industry sources told Reuters.
The targeted unit, CDU-4, handles roughly 4 million metric tons of crude per year, or about 80,000 bpd—nearly a quarter of the refinery’s total capacity.
The stoppage, combined with secondary unit shutdowns including a reformer, vacuum gasoil hydrotreater, and catalytic cracker, has sharply reduced output.
Rosneft has not commented, but sources say the plant continues limited operations.
Ukraine said it hit the Ryazan refinery, one of a growing number of strikes on Russian fuel sites as U.S.-led peace efforts drag on.
Kyiv’s drones have been taking aim at the infrastructure feeding Russia’s war machine, and the Kremlin has been pointing to those same attacks to explain gasoline and diesel shortages at home.
Ryazan processed 13.1 million tons of crude last year, yielding 2.3 million tons of gasoline, 3.4 million tons of diesel, and 4.2 million tons of fuel oil.
A prolonged outage could pressure domestic fuel availability further just as Russia heads into winter, when heating demand peaks and logistical networks tighten.
For global markets, the direct supply hit is small, but the symbolism isn’t. Every successful strike deep inside Russia adds to the risk premium baked into oil prices and tests the Kremlin’s ability to protect the infrastructure that underpins its export revenues.
As the Ryazan blaze cools, markets are still watching for how Moscow will respond—possibly with another round of tightened export controls.
Zambia, Mozambique Discuss Plan To Jointly Develop Power Project
Zambia and Mozambique have begun talks for a joint electricity generation project in Mozambique’s Tete Province, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation has reported, citing a recent meeting between the Presidents of the two nations.
The two leaders held bilateral discussions at State House in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, focusing on the development of the Mphanda Nkuwa Dam on the Zambezi River, which is expected to generate an additional 1,500 megawatts of electricity.
During the meeting, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo said the joint investment would benefit both countries through increased power generation.
He added that Mozambique is also developing gas-fired power stations in Tete Province, which could be considered for joint ventures. Tete Province already hosts Mozambique’s largest power generation facility, the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Dam.
President Chapo said Mozambique is eager to learn from Zambia’s experience in manufacturing and value addition and thanked Zambia for its continued support in stabilizing volatile regions in Mozambique.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema called for the speedy development of the Nacala and Beira Corridors, describing them as vital for ensuring the smooth movement of goods. He added that the corridors should be complemented by rail, road, and oil pipeline infrastructure to strengthen regional trade and integration.
He also noted that Zambia is keen to explore gas deposits in Mozambique and expressed gratitude for Mozambique’s assistance in supplying electricity during the recent drought, emphasizing that without such support, Zambia’s economy could have faced serious challenges.
President Hichilema further called for the joint protection of shared natural resources, including the Zambezi River.
Russian Drones Pound Ukraine As Trump Slaps Sanctions On Rosneft And Lukoil
Russian drones attacked the Ukrainian capital for the second night in a row on October 22, injuring four people, officials said within hours of an announcement from Washington imposing sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said drones had damaged several dwellings and other buildings.
Air assaults the night before struck throughout the country, killing at least seven people and causing power outages. One of the attacks hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv and another hit an apartment building in Zaporizhzhya.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram that it struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil after the European Union unveiled a fresh wave of sanctions earlier on October 22. Both actions were aimed at pressuring Russia to end its full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
“Today is a very big day in terms of what we’re doing. These are tremendous sanctions. These are very big — against their two big oil companies. And we hope they won’t be on for long. We hope that the war will be settled,” US President Donald Trump said.
The move marks another shift for Trump, who has resisted putting more pressure on Russia in hopes that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to end the fighting. But his patience appeared to have run out after plans for a summit with Putin in Budapest collapsed.
“I just felt it was time,” Trump told reporters at the White House after welcoming NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. “Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations, and then they don’t go anywhere.”
In another indication that Trump’s patience is wearing thing, the president said he had canceled the Budapest meeting.
“It didn’t feel right to me. It didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get,” he said.
The US sanctions are designed to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and “degrade” the Kremlin’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine, the Treasury Department said in a “Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine,”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the news release.
Bessent said earlier that Putin had not “come to the table in an honest and forthright manner, as we’d hoped.”
The EU sanctions include the blacklisting of oil tankers used by Moscow, travel curbs on Russian diplomats, and a ban on importing liquefied natural gas from Russia by 2027.
The package is the 19th imposed by the EU since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The sanctions were presented last month by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the purchase of fossil fuels from Russia is financing the Russian war.
The US sanctions follow a similar move by Britain last week, said Rachel Ziemba, an analyst at the Center for New American Security. They are the first notable sanction on Russia from the Trump administration and should have an impact beyond those imposed by Britain alone, she said.
“So it’s a big deal but not as big as it would have been a year ago,” she said in response to a question from RFE/RL, pointing out that subsidiaries operating energy projects are also sanctioned and that could make getting new parts for rebuilding more expensive.
Ziemba also said that the Russian oil companies currently do little business in dollars or in the US financial sector, and the “evasive infrastructure” they use could “blunt” the impact of the new sanctions.
During his visit with Trump, Rutte praised the US president’s efforts to bring the two sides together even after some observers criticized Trump’s outreach to Putin, saying it only allowed the Russian leader to buy time.
Consistent pressure on Russia and frank talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are necessary to reach a cease-fire, Rutte said.
“Look at the Russian economy. There are long lines of cars into the gas stations,” Rutte told Fox News, adding that the Ukrainians have hit an estimated one-third of the Russian oil and gas infrastructure.
He also pointed to moves in Europe to do more to stop Russia’s use of a shadow fleet to move oil around the world.
“All of this will help change the calculus,” Rutte said.
“Collectively, we will change Putin’s calculus and get him to the table and get the cease-fire going. I’m absolutely convinced. It may not be today or tomorrow, but we will get there.”
Ghana: Energy Minister Visits PHDC, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment To Petroleum Hub Project
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has paid an official visit to the head office of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) in Accra as part of his familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry of Energy.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with the management and staff of the Corporation while reinforcing the government’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Hub Project—one of Ghana’s most ambitious initiatives in the energy sector.
In his address, Hon. Jinapor underscored the strategic importance of the PHDC and the Petroleum Hub Project to Ghana’s energy future and overall economic transformation.
He explained that the Corporation was established to attract significant investment into the petroleum value chain and assured the management and staff of the Ministry’s full support in fulfilling this mandate.
The Minister encouraged staff to uphold professionalism, remain apolitical in the execution of their duties, and embrace innovation and dedication—qualities he described as essential to making the Hub attractive to global investors.
Addressing concerns about the project’s feasibility and scalability, John Jinapor noted that further stakeholder engagements would be undertaken to address any outstanding issues to ensure a smooth and successful rollout.
Welcoming the Minister, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the Minister’s presence and assurances would inspire confidence and renewed commitment among the staff.
Dr. Aubynn described the Petroleum Hub Project as both ambitious and transformative, citing global examples from Singapore and the Netherlands to highlight its potential impact.
He also referenced Malaysia’s Petroleum Hub, which created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase, as an illustration of the employment and economic benefits the project could deliver for Ghana—particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and pledged that tangible progress would be evident ahead of the next engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, as well as directors and senior management of the Corporation.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry, including Ing. Sulemana Abubakar, Acting Director for Power; Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Technical Advisor; Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., Spokesperson and Director of Communication; and other officials.
Welcoming the Minister, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the Minister’s presence and assurances would inspire confidence and renewed commitment among the staff.
Dr. Aubynn described the Petroleum Hub Project as both ambitious and transformative, citing global examples from Singapore and the Netherlands to highlight its potential impact.
He also referenced Malaysia’s Petroleum Hub, which created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase, as an illustration of the employment and economic benefits the project could deliver for Ghana—particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and pledged that tangible progress would be evident ahead of the next engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, as well as directors and senior management of the Corporation.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry, including Ing. Sulemana Abubakar, Acting Director for Power; Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Technical Advisor; Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., Spokesperson and Director of Communication; and other officials.
Kenya Leads In Renewable Energy Generation And Energy Consumption In East Africa
Kenya has emerged as the leader in energy consumption and renewable energy generation in East Africa, according to a report by Capital FM citing the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report.
The report shows that Kenya recorded the region’s highest electricity peak demand of 2,316 megawatts (MW), up from 2,177 MW in 2024, surpassing Tanzania’s 1,944 MW, Uganda’s 1,176 MW, and Rwanda’s 262 MW.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) followed closely with 2,174 MW, while Zanzibar registered 131 MW.
Kenya’s installed electricity generation capacity stood at 3,192 MW, ranking third regionally after DRC’s 3,238.9 MW and Tanzania’s 3,091.7 MW.
However, Kenya dominated in renewable energy generation, with geothermal power accounting for 940 MW, representing 100 percent of the region’s geothermal capacity.
“Kenya has continued to strengthen its position as a continental leader in green energy, with renewable sources accounting for 80.17 percent of the electricity mix in the year under review,” the report stated.
“This remarkable energy mix underscores our commitment to sustainability and resilience in the sector.”
Regionally, renewable energy accounted for 81 percent of total installed capacity across the East African Community (EAC), with hydropower leading at 65.15 percent.
Kenya, however, maintained the most diversified energy mix in the region, combining geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro resources.
South Africa: Shell Appeals Court Ruling Halting Offshore Exploration
Shell Plc is appealing a court decision that overturned the environmental permit for an oil exploration block off the west coast of South Africa.
The oil giant is challenging, alongside the South African government, a decision by the Western Cape High Court to set aside the environmental impact assessment for Block 5/6/7 — a license previously held by TotalEnergies SE, the company said in response to questions.
The move escalates an ongoing battle between explorers and environmental groups in the country. South Africa estimates as much as $1.6 billion of investments have been stopped by legal challenges from non-governmental organizations, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Gwede Mantashe told parliament last month.
“The High Court judgment misinterprets the National Environmental Management Act, imposes practical and operational constraints outside of the Act and incorrectly expands the scope by conflating exploration with production,” Shell said in an emailed statement.
The appeal was heard on Oct. 16 and a judgment is expected in the next few weeks, according to Green Connection, one of the environmental groups involved in the case.
Both Shell and Total are ramping up preparations to drill in South Africa following discoveries across the maritime border in Namibia that have turned the area into one of the continent’s exploration hotspots.
Shell awaits a separate judgment in South Africa’s top court over exploration activity halted off its “Wild Coast” project along the Indian Ocean.
Ghana: Bui Power Authority Board Of Directors Embark On Four-Day Tour Of Bui Generating Station
The Board of Directors of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), Ghana’s second-largest state-owned power generation company, has undertaken a four-day working visit to the Bui Generating Station (BGS) in the Savannah and Bono Regions.
The visit aimed to gain deeper insight into the Authority’s operations and strengthen strategic relationships within the Bui Enclave.
As part of the itinerary, the Board paid courtesy calls on the Banda Traditional Council and other key opinion leaders to discuss avenues for enhancing community collaboration and promoting sustainable development partnerships.
During the visit, Board members gained firsthand appreciation of the operational processes, safety protocols, and efficiency measures that underpin BPA’s reputation as one of Ghana’s most reliable and innovative renewable energy producers.
The delegation toured the 404 MW Hydroelectric Plant, the 50 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, and the 5 MWp Floating Solar Plant. They also inspected progress on the ongoing 25 MWp Floating Solar Plant and the 100 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, as well as newly developed staff accommodation facilities and the Multi-Purpose Office Complex.
The four-day visit culminated in a staff durbar, where the Board, led by Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, commended BPA staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism.
They encouraged employees to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and teamwork in advancing the Authority’s strategic objectives and contributing to Ghana’s clean energy transition.
During the visit, Board members gained firsthand appreciation of the operational processes, safety protocols, and efficiency measures that underpin BPA’s reputation as one of Ghana’s most reliable and innovative renewable energy producers.
The delegation toured the 404 MW Hydroelectric Plant, the 50 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, and the 5 MWp Floating Solar Plant. They also inspected progress on the ongoing 25 MWp Floating Solar Plant and the 100 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, as well as newly developed staff accommodation facilities and the Multi-Purpose Office Complex.
The four-day visit culminated in a staff durbar, where the Board, led by Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, commended BPA staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism.
They encouraged employees to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and teamwork in advancing the Authority’s strategic objectives and contributing to Ghana’s clean energy transition.
Zambia: ERB Approves 35 Licences, 15 Construction Permits Worth $284 Million In Zambia’s Energy Sector
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved thirty-five (35) licence applications and fifteen (15) construction permits across the petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors, representing a total investment pledge of over ZMW 6.5 billion (US$ 284 million).
According to the regulator, the approvals—granted at the Board’s Licensing Committee meeting held on 15th October 2025—reflect growing investor confidence and sustained interest in Zambia’s energy sector.
In a statement, the ERB noted that the continued inflow of investments underscores the country’s favourable regulatory environment and ongoing efforts to streamline approval processes. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring predictable, safe, and efficient regulatory mechanisms that facilitate timely project implementation.
The 35 approved licences span various energy activities, including:
- 15 for the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment;
- 9 for the road transportation of petroleum products;
- 4 for the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products;
- 1 for wholesale marketing of petroleum products;
- 1 for retail of petroleum products;
- 1 for biofuel production as an alternative to charcoal;
- 1 for electricity generation;
- 1 for electricity supply; and
- 1 for electricity distribution.
Ghana: How PURC’s 2.45% Tariff Increase In Third Quarter Betrays The People’s Economic Relief (Opinion)
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a weighted average increase of 2.45% in electricity tariffs for all consumer categories for the Third Quarter of 2025, effective July 1, 2025.
This decision according to the utility regulator follows a comprehensive quarterly review, balancing significant savings from a stronger national currency against crucial provisions to address historical revenue shortfalls and ensure future power system stability.
The decision to adjust electricity tariffs upward in that quarter on the surface appears to be a minor adjustment but underneath, represents a profound failure to pass on significant economic relief to the people of Ghana.
The PURC’s own data tells a story not of a need for increase, but of an overwhelming justification for a major reduction. The projected exchange rate used for tariff calculation strengthened by 34.35%, moving from GHS transmission and distribution observed reduction.
The core cost of the electricity consumed in Ghana is built on three pillars: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution. The PURC’s Table 2 in its 2025 Third Quarter Natural Gas, Electricity & Water Tariff Decis15.6974/US$ in Q2 to GHS 10.3052/US$ in Q3, implying that all most of the cost elements from generation, ion shows that in the third quarter, every single one of these pillars saw massive cost reductions.
The Bulk Generation Charge, the very cost of producing power, plummeted by 34.03%. The composite charge from all power producers fell by 27.18%. The cost attributed to losses in transmission and distribution fell by over 26%.
The Sum of all these decreases including reduction in generation, transmission, and distribution costs accounts for the total net saving amounts to a staggering 72.75 Ghana pesewas for every single unit of electricity consumed (kwh).
The energy outlook for 2025 published by Energy Commission estimates that total electricity consumption for 2025 is 25,836 GWh, implying that electricity consumption averagely for each quarter is estimated at 6459Gwh.
Based on quarterly consumption data and savings of Ghp/kwh72.75 influenced by the appreciation of the cedi, the estimated total savings for the period is about Ghc4.7 billion, and the net savings is about Ghc3.2 billion (deductions of transmission and technical losses of 31%).
The usage of an over-recovery of Ghc3.2 billion would have seen electricity tariff in the third quarter decline by about 20% because net monetary effect would be an over-recovery of Ghc667 million, and not the under-recovery of Ghc166 million as indicated by the PURC.
Interestingly, the PURC acknowledges windfall, generated primarily by the 34% appreciation of our Cedi yet decided to use a lower boundary consumption to compute the total monetary value of the windfall, denying electricity tariff reduction benefits to poorer households from James Town to Pusiga.
The very purpose of the quarterly review is to reflect changes in macroeconomic factors. The most significant positive change in a generation occurred, and the PURC has decided to filter it away from the people.
The honest, data-driven decision would have been a significant tariff reduction by about 20% in the third quarter of 2025.
The 2.45% increase is not justifiable; it is a betrayal of the economic relief that was rightfully to Ghanaian electricity consumers as a result of the Ghana cedi appreciation, thereby making the electricity users paying more than expected for electricity.
The writer is the executive director for Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE)
Ghana: NPA Intensifies LPG Safety Campaign In Universities And Tertiary Institutions
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has stepped up its nationwide Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Safety Campaign, extending the sensitization programme to universities and other tertiary institutions across the country.
The campaign, led by the Consumer Services Directorate in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs and Gas Directorates, seeks to promote the safe and efficient use of LPG, following recent gas-related incidents, including an explosion at the UDS–Nyankpala Campus that injured two students.
A team from the NPA, headed by Acting Director of Consumer Services, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, visited the Northern and Upper East Regions to educate students and traders in major markets on the health, safety, and environmental benefits of adopting LPG within a secure and well-regulated environment.
The sessions included interactive demonstrations, open fora, and the distribution of educational materials to deepen awareness of safe LPG use.
The team, which comprised Ing. Johnson Gbagbo Jnr, a Supervisor at the Gas Directorate; officials from the Consumer Services and Corporate Affairs Directorates; and representatives from the respective Regional Offices, visited the University for Development Studies (UDS – Dungu and Nyankpala Campuses) and the Tamale Nursing and Midwifery Training College in the Northern Region.
In the Upper East Region, the team interacted with students of the Bolgatanga and Zuarungu Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges, as well as traders at the Bolgatanga Main Market, among others.
Delivering an insightful presentation on LPG Safety Tips, Ing. Johnson Gbagbo Jnr conducted practical demonstrations on how to safely install, handle, and maintain LPG cylinders and accessories. He emphasized the importance of regular cylinder inspection, proper ventilation, and prompt response to gas leaks.
Ing. Gbagbo further enlightened the students on the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM)—a key national policy aimed at ensuring safety in LPG distribution—and encouraged them to become advocates of safe LPG practices both on campus and within their communities.
In her remarks, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko underscored the health and environmental benefits of LPG over traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal. She cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke from these fuels contributes significantly to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, while LPG offers a cleaner and safer alternative that aligns with the Authority’s sustainability and public health objectives.
Regional Managers and their representatives, who were part of the delegation, also sensitized participants on the broader regulatory functions of the Authority, including the siting and licensing of fuel stations.
They assured students and the general public that the Authority remains committed to maintaining safety standards across the downstream petroleum sector and operates an open-door policy to receive and address consumer concerns.
Nigeria: Petrol Tanker Explodes In Niger State Village, Kills 35 People
A petrol tanker exploded on Tuesday afternoon after skidding off the road near the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaei Road in Niger State, killing 35 people who had gathered to scoop fuel.
The tragic incident caused heavy vehicular traffic on the busy expressway, worsened by the poor condition of the road.
Aishatu Sa’adu, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger Command, confirmed the death toll to reporters. Several injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Sa’adu noted that the deplorable state of the road also affected the response time of the rescue operation.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his “deepest condolences” to the people of Essan in the Katcha Local Government Area, where the explosion “claimed many lives and left several others injured.”
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said several victims had approached the tanker after it overturned, attempting to retrieve its contents before the explosion occurred.
“This is yet another painful, difficult, and tragic incident for the people and the state government,” Governor Bago stated.
The Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers’ Association, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, described the tragedy as “devastating and avoidable,” according to a report by Channels Television.
Kawo added that the tanker was transporting petrol from Lagos to northern Nigeria when it crashed, noting that about 30 accidents have been recorded on the same route in October alone — a situation he attributed to the “deplorable state of the road.”