TOR targets 100,000-barrel daily capacity as expansion work advances

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is working to increase its crude oil processing capacity from 45,000 barrels a day to 100,000 barrels, with the expansion expected to take between one and two years, its Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, has said.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 26, 2026, Kombat said work on the expansion was already far advanced, although the refinery would need more time to achieve the planned capacity.

“We are looking at increasing from 45,000 to 100,000 barrels. We are looking at one to two years. Work is far advanced, and we think we can achieve it between next year and the following year,” he said.

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The proposed increase forms part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s domestic refining capacity and improve the country’s ability to process petroleum products locally.

Kombat also outlined plans to reduce the pressure petroleum imports place on the country’s finances. He said Ghana spends close to GH¢60 billion annually importing petroleum products.

He explained that one of the long-term goals was for Ghana to purchase locally produced crude oil through the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and make payments in cedis.

“In the not-too-distant future, the President wants us to buy Ghanaian crude from GNPC and pay in cedis,” he said.

Kombat noted that increasing domestic refining capacity and purchasing Ghanaian crude in the local currency could help reduce demand for foreign exchange associated with petroleum imports.

However, he cautioned that achieving these changes would take time.

He also highlighted the role of TOR and other domestic refineries in helping to manage fuel prices. According to him, work in the sector helped prevent pump prices from rising beyond GH¢22 per litre during a recent pricing window.

The expansion plan comes as TOR continues efforts to restore its operations and strengthen its contribution to Ghana’s energy security.

Achieving the proposed capacity would depend on the refinery’s ability to complete the required work and secure the resources needed to sustain operations.

ANAS/MA

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