Adorye urges government to safeguard fuel supply amid global tensions

The Director of Field Operations for the United Party, Hopeson Adorye, has called on the government to prioritise a steady fuel supply to prevent shortages, long queues, and the associated economic disruptions. Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews on Tuesday, April 7, he stressed the need for authorities to maintain adequate fuel reserves amid growing global energy instability.

Mr. Adorye’s warnings come against the backdrop of escalating military tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, which have disrupted global oil markets. Reports indicate that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for international oil shipments, has been affected, raising fears of supply shortages and price volatility worldwide.

In response to these developments, Ghana’s Cabinet convened an emergency meeting to assess potential economic impacts and explore policy interventions. During his interview, Mr. Adorye urged decisive government action to ensure uninterrupted domestic fuel availability.

“Governments need to up their game and make sure we have fuel in the system. We don’t need to go out to queue for fuel this time,” he said, stressing that consistent supply is more critical than immediate price reductions. According to him, even if fuel prices were lowered, consumers would gain little if the product remains inaccessible or sold at inflated rates on the black market.

He highlighted that maintaining sufficient fuel reserves would also help curb black-market activities and ease public frustration. “We are urging the government to focus on ensuring fuel is available in the system so that when people go out, they can get fuel without difficulty. We should not have to queue or wait in uncertainty; that is not what we expect,” he added.

Mr. Adorye referenced assurances from the National Petroleum Authority that Ghana currently holds several weeks of fuel reserves. “I listened to the NPA boss, and he gave a strong assurance that we have at least six weeks’ cover. They deserve about five weeks, and we are also hoping to get some of the fuel into town as soon as possible,” he noted.

Despite the external pressures, he expressed cautious optimism about Ghana’s position relative to other countries facing similar challenges. He attributed some stability in fuel prices to the relative performance of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar, which has moderated costs. “Had it not been for the cedi’s slight appreciation against the dollar, prices could have been much higher than what we are seeing today,” he said.

Regarding public concerns about the ongoing conflict, Mr. Adorye encouraged Ghanaians to remain hopeful. He cited remarks from US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict may soon conclude, which would help normalize trade and travel, including fuel access.

On calls for the removal of the one-cedi levy on fuel, Mr. Adorye warned against hasty action. He explained that the levy is essential for procuring crude oil to generate electricity and sustain the country’s power supply. Removing it, he cautioned, could hinder Ghana’s ability to purchase crude and potentially trigger renewed power outages.

In summary, Mr. Adorye stressed that the government must ensure adequate fuel supply, maintain strategic reserves, and carefully manage fiscal measures such as the fuel levy to protect energy stability, public convenience, and economic continuity in Ghana.