Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has taken a major step toward restoring regular operations with the arrival of approximately one million barrels of premium Bonga crude oil.

The cargo, delivered by the merchant vessel Cap Felix, was purchased from Shell and supplied through TOR’s tolling partner, Fujeirah/Triangle Commodities Trading (TCT).

The arrangement is part of a broader strategy to lift the state-owned refinery out of its prolonged operational dormancy and stabilize the domestic fuel market.

Company leadership noted that the arrival is a turning point for the facility.

“The receipt of the Bonga Crude marks another significant milestone in TOR’s efforts to restore stable refining activities, improve national energy security, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products,” management said in a statement.

Bonga crude, a Nigerian grade known for its low-sulfur characteristics, yields highly sought-after products during the refining process.

The delivery signals a crucial test for TOR’s infrastructure, which has faced intermittent shutdowns and financial hurdles over the past decade.

By partnering with external trading firms like TCT, the refinery aims to mitigate the heavy capital risks traditionally associated with buying crude independently.

Refinery management credited state and financial support for keeping the recovery plan on track.

“Management of TOR expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana, regulatory institutions, financial partners, and all stakeholders whose support continues to contribute to the refinery’s operational resurgence,” the statement read.

As processing begins, the refinery has pledged to maintain operational transparency and environmental standards, with the ultimate goal of transforming the facility into a commercially self-sustaining regional energy hub.

Below is the statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEMA OIL REFINERY RECEIVES 1 MILLION BARRELS OF BONGA CRUDE FOR REFINING OPERATIONS

Tema, Ghana – May 27, 2026

Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is pleased to announce the arrival of approximately 1,000,000 barrels of Bonga Crude Oil aboard the MT Cap Felix as part of its ongoing refinery revitalization and crude processing program.

The crude oil cargo was purchased from Shell and supplied through TOR’s tolling partner, Fujeirah/Triangle Commodities Trading (TCT), under an arrangements aimed at supporting the refinery’s operational recovery and ensuring sustained petroleum product supply to the Ghanaian market.

The receipt of the Bonga Crude marks another significant milestone in TOR’s efforts to restore stable refining activities, improve national energy security, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Bonga Crude, known for its high-quality low-sulphur characteristics and favorable refining yields, is expected to produce substantial volumes of premium petroleum products including LPG, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, ATK and fuel oil for the domestic and regional markets.

Management of TOR expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana, regulatory institutions, financial partners, and all stakeholders whose support continues to contribute to the refinery’s operational resurgence.

TOR further reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and the long-term transformation of the refinery into a competitive and commercially sustainable energy hub for Ghana and West Africa.

The refinery will continue to engage stakeholders and the public as operations progress.