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Ghana: Natural Gas Supply Shortfalls And Escalating Reliance On Expensive Liquid Fuels(Analysis)

Benjamin Nsiah
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Ghana: Natural Gas Supply Shortfalls And Escalating Reliance On Expensive Liquid Fuels(Analysis)
Ghana’s power sector is increasingly relying on expensive liquid fuels due to persistent natural gas supply shortfalls, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability. Below is an analysis by the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) on the procurement of HFO, DFO, and LCO for power generation from 2021 to 2025.

Introduction

Ghana’s energy sector, particularly its power sector, has undergone significant development and structural changes over recent decades. The sector is characterized by a combination of traditional hydroelectric power and thermal (fossil fuel-based) generation, with increasing attention to renewable energy integration to meet growing demand and sustainability goals.

Thermal generation continues to dominate the power sector, with about 3,445 MW of dependable capacity, representing 70% of total dependable capacity as of 2025. Approximately 80% of this 3,445 MW of dependable capacity is dual-fueled, with natural gas as the primary fuel and liquid fuels—including Gasoil, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), and Light Crude Oil (LCO)—as the secondary fuel.

Liquid fuels provide strategic backup for generation when gas supply falls short due to planned or unplanned maintenance of gas facilities. However, liquid fuels are comparatively more expensive than natural gas, and higher consumption exposes the power sector to financial strain. In this regard, the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) assessed the utilization patterns of liquid fuels from 2021 to 2025 and estimated the costs of HFO and Gasoil during this period.

Methodology

Ghana primarily uses three types of liquid fuels: LCO, HFO, and Gasoil. The Center sourced data on HFO and Gasoil from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for the period 2021–2025. The data from NPA were utilization figures based on liters and metric tonnes.

The estimated cost per metric tonne of HFO and Diesel Fuel Oil (DFO) was based on GRIDCO’s fuel supply projections for the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP) pigging period from January to February 2025. Crude oil data were sourced from the Bank of Ghana for 2024–2025.

Thermal plants that used LCO during the period include AKSA Energy, Cenpower, and Asogli, as indicated by the Bank of Ghana.

Results

Heavy Fuel Oil consumption in the power sector peaked in 2025 at approximately 134 million liters (133,237 MT), following 90 million liters (89,325 MT) in 2021. No HFO was used in 2022. Between 2024 (12,736 MT) and 2025, there was an increase of 120,537 MT, representing a 947% surge in HFO utilization for power generation.

Figure 1: Heavy Fuel Oil for Power Sector (2021–2025)
Source: CEMSE Construct from National Petroleum Authority Data

Based on GRIDCO’s fuel requirement projections during the WAGP offshore pigging and cost per metric tonne, the estimated cost of HFO in 2025 was US$605/MT. With total HFO consumption of 133,237 MT, the total cost for the power sector in 2025 was US$80,608,385.

Table 1: Estimated Cost of HFO Consumed in 2025

Heavy Fuel Oil Quantity (MT) Cost (US$) Total Cost (US$)
Projected (GRIDCO) 19,800 605.05 11,980,000
Actual 133,237 605.05 80,608,385

Source: CEMSE Construct from GRIDCO and NPA Data, 2025

The 575% increase in HFO costs in 2025 indicates that beyond the pigging period in Q1 2025, additional HFO was used to operate thermal plants throughout the remaining three quarters of the year.

UK Eases Sanctions On Russian-Origin Diesel And Jet Fuel As Prices Soar

The years 2021 and 2022 recorded zero Gasoil use in the power sector. Gasoil usage began in 2023 at approximately 263 thousand liters (222 MT), surging to about 8 million liters (7,121 MT) in 2024—a 3,107% increase. Utilization peaked in 2025 at around 24 million liters (20,246 MT), representing a 184% increase from 2024.

Figure 2: Gasoil Consumption for Power Sector (2021–2025)
Source: CEMSE Construct from National Petroleum Authority Data

GRIDCO projected a DFO requirement of 16,800 MT at a cost of US$26.88 million for the WAGP offshore pigging, implying a unit cost of US$1,600/MT. Actual DFO consumption of 20,246 MT in 2025 resulted in a total cost of US$32.39 million, reflecting a 21% increase over projections.

Table 2: Estimated Cost of Diesel Fuel Oil in 2025

Diesel Fuel Oil Quantity (MT) Cost per MT (US$) Total Cost (US$)
Projected 16,800 1,600 26,880,000
Actual 22,246 1,600 32,393,600

Source: CEMSE Construct from GRIDCO and NPA Data, 2025

According to the Bank of Ghana’s quarterly bulletin (4Q25), US$36.57 million was spent on LCO imports for the power sector in 2024. In 2025, this increased by approximately 210% to US$116.8 million, exceeding GRIDCO’s projection of US$50.94 million. All LCO imported in 2024 and 2025 was allocated to Cenpower, Asogli, and AKSA power plants.

Figure 3: Cost of Crude Oil Imported for Power Sector (2024–2025)
Source: CEMSE Construct from Bank of Ghana Data

Conclusion

The analysis reveals a concerning trend in Ghana’s power sector, highlighting a growing reliance on expensive liquid fuels (HFO, DFO, LCO) between 2021 and 2025. Despite GRIDCO’s projections, actual consumption surged significantly.

  • HFO costs increased by 575%, exceeding projections by US$68.6 million.
  • DFO costs rose by 21%, exceeding projections by US$5.5 million.
  • LCO costs exceeded projections by US$65.95 million, representing a 129% increase in utilization in 2025.

The total cost of HFO, DFO, and LCO for 2025 is estimated at US$229 million, implying an average monthly expenditure of US$19.16 million on liquid fuels. The increasing reliance on liquid fuels is largely due to shortfalls in natural gas supply. Addressing the gas supply deficit would reduce sector debts and improve fiscal sustainability, as liquid fuels are not fully captured in the tariff regime, forcing the government to rely on petroleum levies for procurement.

These findings underscore the urgent need for diversified power generation and stricter fuel procurement discipline to prevent further financial distress in Ghana’s power sector.

Ghana Targets 1,000 MW Nuclear Power Generation

Peter Adofo Asante
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Ghana Targets 1,000 MW Nuclear Power Generation
Ghana has announced an ambitious plan to construct a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, which will serve as a second baseload after the Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Dam, aimed at securing the country’s energy supply to support industrialisation. Chief of Staff of Ghana, Mr. Julius Debrah, made this announcement at the opening of the Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) 2026 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. He emphasized that the nuclear power plan forms a cornerstone of President John Dramani Mahama’s strategy to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean electricity. Debrah noted that as Ghana’s economy expands, the national energy mix must evolve to incorporate nuclear power in order to meet growing demand from the manufacturing and mining sectors. He expressed the view that the 1,000 MW plant will provide critical baseload capacity to stabilize the grid and prevent future power fluctuations. Debrah added that the government is engaging local and international partners to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) alongside the larger plant, describing this move as part of a broader transformational agenda. He stated that officials are in advanced talks with international partners and regulatory bodies to ensure the program adheres to the highest global safety standards. Regarding the technical assessment of the nuclear power program, he said the government has successfully completed the site selection stage and is now focused on detailed characterization and regulatory compliance ahead of construction. Furthermore, he noted that if the roadmap is implemented as planned, the initiative will create thousands of technical jobs and position Ghana as an energy hub for the West African sub-region. Debrah stressed that the transition to nuclear energy is not only about power generation but also about meeting Ghana’s climate commitments by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. He therefore called on stakeholders and the private sector to support the initiative, emphasizing that sustained collaboration will be vital to achieving this ambition.

BP Signs Three Production Sharing Contracts In Indonesia

Michael Creg Afful
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  BP and its partners have signed three Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in Indonesia, bringing BP’s total participation in oil and gas blocks in the country to 11. Two of the PSCs are for the Bintuni and Drawa exploration blocks, which are located near the existing BP-operated Tangguh LNG facility in Papua Barat, creating potential for short-cycle development. BP also confirmed its participation in the INPEX-operated Barong block in East Java. The agreements, part of the second Indonesia Petroleum Bidding Round 2025 hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, were signed between BP and the Government of Indonesia, represented by SKK Migas, and witnessed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia. “These agreements demonstrate our ongoing investment in Indonesia’s energy security and economic growth,” said William Lin, executive vice president for gas and low carbon energy at BP. “We already have world-class assets in the country and, subject to success, the proximity of two of these new blocks to our existing infrastructure could support the potential future development and production of these resources,” he added. “This year marks BP’s 60th anniversary in Indonesia and, through our dedicated regional team and continuous focus on safety and operational performance, we look forward to working with the government and our partners to continue supporting the country’s energy resilience and development objectives for years to come.” The PSCs were signed at the Indonesian Petroleum Association Convention & Exhibition 2026. At the Bintuni and Drawa blocks, BP’s partners include CNOOC Southeast Asia Limited, INPEX CORPORATION and Mitsubishi Corporation through MI Berau B.V., as well as Indonesia Natural Gas Resources Muturi, Inc., a subsidiary of LNG Japan Corporation. Following the agreement signing, BP holds a 49 percent stake in the Barong block alongside INPEX CORPORATION, which holds 51 percent and serves as operator.

South Africa: Eskom Threatens Power Cuts In Johannesburg Over R5.2 Billion Debt

Michael Creg Afful
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South Africa: Eskom Threatens Power Cuts In Johannesburg Over R5.2 Billion Debt
South African state-owned power utility Eskom has issued a formal notice of its intention to reduce or terminate electricity supply to the City of Johannesburg and its regional entity, City Power over mounting debt.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the utility stated that the City of Johannesburg currently owes arrears amounting to R5.25 billion (equivalent of 315,744,000)

An additional R1.58 billion is scheduled for payment on Friday, June 5, 2026, according to the Eskom Gauteng Cluster.

Eskom alleged that the municipality has repeatedly failed to honour its Electricity Supply Agreement despite more than two years of engagement.

The utility said it is no longer sustainable to allow the city to collect revenue from residents without transferring the required portion to the national supplier.

According to Eskom, the growing debt burden undermines its efforts to improve its balance sheet and maintain affordable electricity pricing.

The company added in a media statement that its financial sustainability depends on effective revenue collection and reduced expenditure.

Eskom also announced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, that nine other municipalities had moved toward signing Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs).

These long-term contracts allow Eskom to manage technical and financial aspects of local electricity supply, including revenue collection and the installation of smart meters.

The utility did not specify when the planned interruptions or terminations in Johannesburg would begin.

The move follows a broader national trend of escalating municipal debt, which Eskom says threatens its operational viability.

 

COP31 President Calls For Faster Electrification, More Climate Finance For Developing Countries

Michael Creg Afful
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COP31 President Calls For Faster Electrification, More Climate Finance For Developing Countries

The President-designate of COP31, Murat Kurum, has called for accelerated electrification and increased climate finance for developing countries ahead of the global climate summit in Turkey, scheduled for November 2026.

Addressing the opening session of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial conference in Denmark on Wednesday, Kurum said electrification had emerged as a key theme during recent climate engagements, including meetings held in Berlin, Paris, Santa Marta and Baku.

According to him, electricity currently accounts for about 20 percent of global final energy consumption, adding that efforts should be intensified to increase its share.

Kurum said this would require both the decarbonisation of electricity generation and the expansion of electrification across sectors.

“We must make the technologies of the future accessible at scale — and we must ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

He said the COP31 presidency would prioritise clean energy, clean cooking, resilient cities and industrial decarbonisation under its action agenda.

Kurum added that the presidency is already collaborating with key institutions, including the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Global Renewables Alliance.

The COP31 president-designate also urged stakeholders to support funding for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“For billions of people living along the world’s coasts, oceans are not an abstract climate issue. They are a source of food, livelihoods, identity and security,” he said.

Kurum said national climate roadmaps should remain central to the UN climate process through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Biennial Transparency Reports and National Adaptation Plans.

He also highlighted oceans and coastal communities as major priority areas.

On climate finance, Kurum said the COP31 presidency would work to increase funding for developing countries through the Global Implementation Accelerator and recommendations under the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap.

He said COP31 would seek stronger participation from the private sector to mobilise climate finance.

“Concessional and grant-based public finance will be indispensable — especially for developing economies that need to adapt, build resilience and respond to loss and damage,” he said.

Kurum noted that donor countries would be held accountable for commitments made under the $300 billion Baku climate finance goal.

He said efforts would continue to improve access to climate finance and increase funding from UN climate funds threefold by 2030.

Kurum added that the replenishment of the Green Climate Fund this year would be critical.

“Developed countries must also submit their first biennial communications this year, showing how they will deliver their fair share of the Baku Finance Goal,” he added.

“It is easy to say we support global climate action. But promises must be kept.”

UK Eases Sanctions On Russian-Origin Diesel And Jet Fuel As Prices Soar

Michael Creg Afful
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UK Eases Sanctions On Russian-Origin Diesel And Jet Fuel As Prices Soar
 

  • The UK temporarily allows imports of diesel and jet fuel processed from Russian-origin crude in third countries to address rising fuel prices and jet fuel shortages.

  •  The Labour government defends the move as necessary for supply security, while Conservatives criticize it as undermining sanctions and UK energy policy.

  • The easing follows similar U.S. waivers on Russian oil sales amid global fuel price spikes, with UK gasoline prices reaching record highs since the Iran war.

   

The UK government has waived sanctions on imports of diesel and jet fuel processed from Russian-origin crude in third countries, citing spiking fuel prices and concerns over jet fuel supply shortages, according to Oilprice.com.

The easing of a small portion of the UK’s strict sanctions and bans on Russian crude and oil product imports is intended to protect supply security, the Labour government argues.

However, the Conservatives criticized the decision as “insane” and claimed it undermines the sanctions due to domestic political considerations.

This “small, specific, and time-limited” waiver in the UK’s sanctions regime was made to “protect the security of supply for essential foundational goods in our economy, such as jet fuel,” Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the average UK gasoline price jumped to its highest level since the Iran war began, putting additional pressure on consumers already struggling with high gas and energy costs.

Commenting on the government’s decision to allow imports of diesel and jet fuel produced in third countries from Russian crude, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch posted on social media: “After 18 months of ‘standing up to Putin,’ the Labour government quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries. Yesterday, Labour MPs voted AGAINST UK oil and gas licences. We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea. Insane.”

UK Eases Sanctions On Russian-Origin Diesel And Jet Fuel As Prices Soar

The UK’s move to ease import restrictions on fuels made from Russian-origin crude in third countries comes just days after the U.S. Treasury extended a waiver of Russia-related sanctions, allowing the sale of Russian oil floating at sea for another 30 days until June 17.

The U.S. first issued a waiver in March, permitting Russian crude on tankers to be sold without penalties as oil and fuel prices spiked following the Iran war.

Ghana: Africa Can Solve Its Energy Challenges Using Local Engineers – Dr. Jinapor

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Africa Can Solve Its Energy Challenges Using Local Engineers – Dr. Jinapor

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has challenged Africa to look inward to solve the continent’s energy challenges, stating that the continent is endowed with highly skilled and competent engineers.

He made the remarks at the opening of the Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC), held in Accra, Ghana, from Tuesday, May 19, to Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The conference brought together ministers, energy sector professionals, academia, and innovators.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jinapor emphasized that Africans are capable of addressing their own problems instead of relying on expatriates, noting that indigenous solutions are often more cost-effective.

He recounted how Ghanaian engineers successfully restored power supply from the Akosombo Generation Station to the national grid in just a few days after a fire completely destroyed the switchyard that receives and transmits power from the station.

“Recently, we had a major fire incident at our biggest hydro dam. The whole control centre was burnt, and we instantly lost 1,000 MW. If you have a peak demand of 4,500 MW and an installed capacity of 5,000 MW, losing 1,000 MW instantaneously is a huge challenge. For five days, it wasn’t easy for me as Minister for Energy. Despite this, the Ghanaian people demanded a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. Thanks to my engineers, within five days they resolved the issue, and we had reliable power,” the Minister said, illustrating how African engineers can solve their own problems without external support.

Zambia: ZESCO, Stanbic Bank, And GreenCo Sign MoU To Advance Renewable Energy Projects Under ZAMWATT Initiative

Organized by the Africa Energy Technology Centre in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, AETC 2026 is themed “From Borders to Bridges: Driving Intra-African Trade and Development through Energy & Technology Services.”

Touching on the theme, Dr. Jinapor emphasized the need for African nations to collaborate by sharing ideas and leveraging each other’s resources to solve common challenges.

He highlighted Ghana’s energy trade, noting that the country imports gas from Nigeria for power generation and exports some of it to its West African neighbors.

He also mentioned a recent discussion with a delegation from Benin, which requested that Ghana increase power exports to them, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation.

“We must work together. We take gas from Nigeria—about 100 mmscf/day—to generate power and export some to our neighbors. That is how we build bridges. That is how we move from borders to building bridges,” he stated.

Nigeria: Convicted Former Power Minister Smoked Out Of Hideout To Serve Jail Term

Michael Creg Afful
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Nigeria: Convicted Former Power Minister Smoked Out Of Hideout To Serve Jail Term
Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was on Tuesday morning arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from his hideout in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State, following weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Commission’s operatives. Mamman was sentenced to 75 years in prison in absentia on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case brought by the EFCC. The court convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him, holding that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Following the arrest, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede issued a press statement confirming that the former minister, who had gone underground after his conviction on corruption charges, had been apprehended. “On May 7, 2026, Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts bordering on diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The court convicted him in absentia after agreeing with the Commission that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Olukoyede said, according to PremiumNewsNG.com. “For us, getting the convict to serve his jail terms is extremely important, given the seriousness with which we are tackling corrupt practices. It is this resolve that made us deploy intelligence to track and arrest the convict. We will process his transfer to the Correctional Centre accordingly,” he added. Justice Omotosho held in his judgment that the EFCC successfully established that Mamman and his associates diverted not less than N22 billion meant for the execution of critical power projects. The court further ruled that the defence failed to present credible evidence capable of discrediting the prosecution’s case. The judge condemned the diversion of public funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects, describing the act as a gross abuse of public trust. Nigeria Appoints Joseph Tegbe As New Minister For Power He also noted that Mamman used proxy companies and associates to siphon and benefit from funds meant for critical national infrastructure. Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, overseeing Nigeria’s power sector and major hydroelectric projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru projects. Following his conviction, the court ordered that Mamman be arrested and produced before it on May 13, 2026, for sentencing. However, he failed to appear in court on the scheduled date, prompting the court to proceed with sentencing in his absence. Justice Omotosho subsequently sentenced Mamman to seven years’ imprisonment each on Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, without an option of fine. He was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on Count 4 with an option of a N10 million fine and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5 without an option of fine. The court further ordered that the sentences run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years. Mamman is also facing another corruption trial before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, over an alleged N31 billion fraud.

Tanzania: Deputy Energy Minister Urges TANESCO To Strengthen Customer Service Through Digital Systems

Michael Creg Afful
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Tanzania: Deputy Energy Minister Urges TANESCO To Strengthen Customer Service Through Digital Systems
  • Deputy Minister urges TANESCO to adopt digital systems for better customer service.
  •  Meeting addresses performance, challenges, and strategic communication.
  • Calls for improved benefits to motivate frontline service providers.

Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba, has urged Tanzania Electricity Corporation (TANESCO) customer relations and service officers to effectively use digital systems and intelligence to keep pace with technological growth and enhance the efficiency of customer service and communication.

She delivered the advice on Monday, May 18, 2026, during the opening of the five-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) of TANESCO officers at the Lavender Hotel in Dodoma. The AGM aims to assess work performance, identify challenges, discuss strategies to improve customer service, and strengthen strategic communication within the organization for 2026. “We all recognize that technology is the foundation of modern service delivery. Therefore, it is the responsibility of Customer Service Officers to ensure digital systems, including smart intelligence, are used efficiently so that citizens receive quality services and timely information,” Hon. Salome Makamba said. According to her, the government recognizes the sincere efforts being made by TANESCO to improve customer service and strategic communication through the use of social media, WhatsApp groups, and education on the safe use of electricity and clean cooking energy. She also urged TANESCO management to improve incentives for customer service providers to increase their motivation and efficiency, noting that these frontline staff plays a key role in building the organization’s image with customers. “On behalf of the Ministry leadership, I congratulate the service providers for your dedication. I also request the TANESCO CEO to oversee the improvement of their benefits so that they can provide quality and reliable services to customers,” Hon. Makamba added.    

Kenya: EPRA Cuts Diesel Price By KSh10.06, Hikes Kerosene By KSh38.60 Per Litre After Nationwide Protests

Michael Creg Afful
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Kenya: EPRA Cuts Diesel Price By KSh10.06, Hikes Kerosene By KSh38.60 Per Litre After Nationwide Protests
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reviewed diesel pump prices downward by KSh10.06 per litre, while the price of kerosene has increased by KSh38.60 per litre.

However, the pump price for Super Petrol remains unchanged.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will now retail at KSh214.25, KSh232.86, and KSh191.38 respectively, effective Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for the next 30 days.

The review follows Monday’s nationwide protests by public service vehicle (PSV) operators against rising fuel costs, which resulted in the deaths of four people, injuries to 30 others, and the arrest of 348 individuals.

In a statement, EPRA said it had received a petition from public transport sector operators requesting measures to minimize the risk of motor fuel adulteration that may arise due to the wide price differential between diesel and kerosene.

     

Commercial Oil Inventories Depleting Rapidly, With Only Weeks Left, Says IEA Chief

Michael Creg Afful
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Commercial Oil Inventories Depleting Rapidly, With Only Weeks Left, Says IEA Chief
The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, has revealed that commercial oil inventories are depleting rapidly, with only a few weeks’ worth of supply left due to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. According to reports, Birol told reporters on Monday during the Group of Seven finance leaders’ meeting in Paris that the release of strategic oil reserves had added 2.5 million barrels of oil per day to the market, but noted that these reserves “are not endless.” Birol added that the onset of the spring planting and summer travel seasons in the Northern Hemisphere would drain inventories more quickly as demand for diesel, fertilizer, jet fuel, and gasoline increases. He said that before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February, there was a major surplus in the oil market and commercial inventories were very high. However, the situation has rapidly shifted due to the war. He stated that commercial inventories would last “several weeks, but we should be aware of the fact that they are declining rapidly.” Kenya:Four Killed, 30 Injured, And 348 Arrested During Nationwide Protest Over High Fuel Prices Last week, the IEA said global oil supply will fall short of total demand this year as the Iran conflict disrupts Middle East oil production, with inventories being drained at an unprecedented pace. The agency had previously forecast a surplus for the year. Global observed oil inventories fell at a record pace in March and April, dropping by 246 million barrels, the IEA said in its latest monthly oil market report. The 32-member IEA coordinated the largest-ever release of stocks from strategic reserves in March, agreeing to withdraw 400 million barrels in a bid to calm markets. Around 164 million barrels had been released by May 8, it said. Overall, global oil supply is expected to fall by around 3.9 million barrels per day in 2026 due to the war, the agency said, sharply revising its previous forecast, which had projected a 1.5 million bpd decline.  

Kenya:Four Killed, 30 Injured, And 348 Arrested During Nationwide Protest Over High Fuel Prices

Michael Creg Afful
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Kenya:Four Killed, 30 Injured, And 348 Arrested During Nationwide Protest Over High Fuel Prices
Four protesters were killed on Monday during a nationwide demonstration sparked by high fuel costs in Kenya, with 30 others sustaining varying degrees of injuries, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed during a press briefing. According to the CS, 348 individuals were arrested for various offences, including destruction of property, unlawful assembly, and attacks on law enforcement officers. He said investigations are ongoing and those found responsible for criminal acts during the protests will be arraigned in court. “The government respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, but acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property will not be tolerated,” Murkomen said. The demonstrations were organized in response to public anger over high fuel costs, which have increased transport costs and pushed up the prices of basic commodities across the country. Protesters in several major towns blocked roads, lit bonfires, and demanded immediate government action to reduce fuel prices and ease the economic burden on ordinary Kenyans. CS Murkomen appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and allow the government to address concerns through lawful and constructive engagement. He reiterated that security agencies will continue to maintain order while safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights.

Ghana: Energy Commission Urges More Women To Join Electrical Wiring Profession

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Energy Commission Urges More Women To Join Electrical Wiring Profession
Ghana’s Energy Commission, the technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, has called for a deliberate push to increase female participation in Ghana’s electrical wiring profession, describing the sector as still heavily male-dominated. Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, made the call during an official visit to the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC), where he observed the ongoing May/June 2026 Electrical Wiring Professionals Examination being conducted nationwide by the Commission. The visit was part of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring quality, professionalism, and integrity in the electrical wiring certification process. During the visit, Mr. Yalley toured both the interview and practical examination sessions, gaining firsthand experience of the examination procedures and interacting with candidates and officials overseeing the exercise. Addressing those present, he highlighted a female electrician apprentice support programme championed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ms. Adwoa Serwaa Bonzie, which aims to encourage and support more women to pursue careers in electrical installation and related technical fields. He noted that the low number of female candidates participating in the current examinations at the Accra centre underscores the urgency for targeted interventions. Mr. Yalley called on corporate institutions, development partners, and industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Commission by sponsoring female electrician apprentices through training and certification programmes. He stressed that increasing female representation in the electrical industry would not only promote inclusivity and gender empowerment but also contribute to national skills development and the growth of Ghana’s energy sector. The Electrical Wiring Professionals Examination is being conducted simultaneously at four centres across the country—Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi, and Tamale—as part of the Energy Commission’s mandate to uphold professional competence, safety standards, and excellence within Ghana’s electrical wiring industry.

Egypt: TotalEnergies And EGAS Sig MoU For Offshore Exploration

Michael Creg Afful
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Egypt: TotalEnergies And EGAS Sig MoU For Offshore Exploration

TotalEnergies and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offshore exploration activities.

The MoU covers a large area located in the northwestern offshore region of Egypt.

Nigeria: Dangote Refinery Files Fresh Lawsuit Against Government, Regulator Over Fuel Import Licences

The agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation, including preliminary exploration and subsurface evaluation activities.

“We are pleased to launch this cooperation with EGAS, which reflects our shared ambition to further strengthen our partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt. This agreement will support the assessment of Egypt’s deep offshore exploration potential,” said Nicola Mavilla, Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies.

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