Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are accusing Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) of creating what they describe as an artificial fuel shortage on the market.
According to some OMCs, the alleged shortage may be a strategy by certain BDCs to benefit from a projected increase in fuel prices expected to take effect from Monday, March 16, 2026.
They claim some BDCs have stopped selling petroleum products in order to hoard them ahead of the anticipated price hike.
There are also reports that some BDCs have sharply increased their prices, forcing smaller OMCs, especially those that buy products on a cash-and-carry basis, to purchase fuel at significantly higher costs.
Sources within the industry say the situation was worsened over the weekend by operational challenges that made it difficult for companies to load petroleum products.
As of Monday morning, the problem had not been resolved, raising concerns about possible disruptions to fuel supply.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies has confirmed the challenges in the market and says it is working with regulators and other stakeholders to resolve the situation quickly.
Meanwhile, Star Oil has informed customers that it is experiencing product shortages at some of its service stations across the country.
However, the company denied hoarding fuel to benefit from the expected price increase.
Star Oil explained that the shortages are linked to technical challenges with the GRA ICUMS system, which was reportedly down over the weekend, making it difficult for companies to load products.
The company said the disruption has affected several OMCs across the industry.
It also warned that the issue had not been resolved as of Monday morning, which could affect the broader petroleum supply chain if it continues.
The company added that because its stations record some of the highest fuel sales volumes in the country, supply disruptions tend to affect them more quickly than other operators.
Industry players and the regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (Ghana), have already projected a significant increase in fuel prices from March 16, 2026.
The expected rise is largely linked to the recent surge in global crude oil prices driven by developments in the Middle East.
Some analysts believe the adjustment could be one of the largest pump price increases in recent times.
As a result, some industry players and observers are calling on the government to review certain levies within the fuel price structure to help reduce the impact on consumers.