Bitumen Price in Accra Ghana
Last updated: 2026-09-29
Bitumen price in Accra ranges from GHS 6,800 to GHS 8,900 per metric ton (approximately USD 440–575) as of Q1 2025, depending on grade (60/70 or 80/100 penetration), packaging (bulk vs. drum), and import origin. This landed cost includes CIF Tema Port charges, customs duties, and inland transport to Accra. Bulk 60/70 bitumen in 30-ton tanker loads offers the lowest per-ton rate, averaging GHS 7,200/ton (USD 465), while drummed 80/100 bitumen commands GHS 8,400–8,900/ton (USD 545–575) due to higher handling and packaging costs.
Bitumen Price Breakdown in Accra (Q1 2025)
The table below shows current market pricing across the most-traded grades and packaging formats in Accra.
| Grade | Packaging | Price per Ton (GHS) | Price per Ton (USD) | Min. Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60/70 Penetration | Bulk (tanker) | 7,000 – 7,400 | 452 – 478 | 30 tons |
| 60/70 Penetration | Drum (180 kg) | 7,800 – 8,300 | 504 – 536 | 5 tons |
| 80/100 Penetration | Bulk | 7,200 – 7,600 | 465 – 491 | 30 tons |
| 80/100 Penetration | Drum | 8,400 – 8,900 | 543 – 575 | 5 tons |
| Cutback MC-30 | Drum | 9,100 – 9,700 | 588 – 627 | 2 tons |
| Emulsion (CSS-1) | Drum | 6,800 – 7,300 | 439 – 472 | 2 tons |
Key pricing notes:
- Prices are **ex-works Accra** after inland haulage from Tema Port (~30 km).
- USD conversions use an exchange rate of **GHS 15.5 = USD 1** (Bank of Ghana mid-rate, March 2025).
- Bulk orders above 500 tons qualify for **3–5% volume discounts**.
- Prices exclude VAT (15%) and NHIL/GETFund levies unless stated.
What Drives Bitumen Price in Accra?
Four variables account for roughly 85% of price movement in the Accra bitumen market.
Ghana imports over 90% of its bitumen, primarily from:
- **Middle East (Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia):** USD 380–430/ton FOB
- **West Africa (Nigeria refineries):** USD 400–450/ton FOB, shorter freight
- **Asia (South Korea, Singapore):** USD 420–470/ton FOB
Ocean freight to Tema Port adds USD 40–90/ton, depending on origin and vessel size. A single 3,000-ton parcel vessel from the UAE currently costs approximately USD 65/ton in freight, insurance, and port handling.
Landed bitumen at Tema Port attracts:
| Cost Component | Amount (GHS/ton) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 5% of CIF | Reduced rate for road construction materials |
| VAT | 15% | Applied on CIF + duty |
| NHIL | 2.5% | National Health Insurance Levy |
| GETFund | 2.5% | Education Trust Fund |
| ECOWAS Levy | 0.5% | Regional trade levy |
| Tema Port Handling | 180 – 250 | Terminal, stevedoring, documentation |
| **Total Port Charges** | **1,050 – 1,350** | ~15–18% of landed cost |
A 5% import duty concession for bitumen used in government-approved road projects can save buyers GHS 350–450 per ton — a significant lever worth pursuing through the Ghana Highway Authority.
The 30 km haul from Tema Port to Accra storage terminals costs:
- **Bulk tanker (30 tons):** GHS 120–160/ton
- **Drummed cargo (5–10 tons):** GHS 200–280/ton
- **Full truckload (40 ft container, 25 tons):** GHS 150–190/ton
Fuel price volatility in Ghana directly affects this segment. Each 10% increase in diesel prices adds roughly GHS 15–20/ton to inland delivery costs.
Bitumen prices in Accra follow a predictable annual pattern:
| Period | Demand Level | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | High (dry season construction) | +3–5% |
| Apr–Jun | Moderate (pre-rains) | Stable |
| Jul–Sep | Low (rainy season) | -4–7% |
| Oct–Dec | Rising (post-rains ramp-up) | +2–4% |
Buyers who place orders in July–September typically save GHS 400–600 per ton compared to peak dry-season pricing.
Price Comparison: Accra vs. Other West African Markets
How does Accra stack up regionally?
| City | Bulk 60/70 (USD/ton) | Drum 60/70 (USD/ton) | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Accra, Ghana** | 452 – 478 | 504 – 536 | Stable port, moderate duties |
| Lagos, Nigeria | 410 – 445 | 460 – 495 | Local refinery supply (Dangote) |
| Lomé, Togo | 445 – 470 | 495 – 525 | Smaller port, higher freight |
| Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire | 460 – 490 | 510 – 545 | Stronger currency, higher demand |
| Dakar, Senegal | 475 – 510 | 525 – 565 | Long haul from Gulf, high port fees |
Key insight: Accra is the second most competitive bitumen market in West Africa after Lagos, largely due to Tema Port's efficiency and Ghana's 5% concessionary duty rate on construction-grade bitumen.
How to Reduce Your Bitumen Cost in Accra
Practical strategies that buyers use to cut landed costs by 8–15%:
- **Buy bulk, not drums.** Bulk saves GHS 800–1,000/ton on packaging alone.
- **Order 500+ tons.** Volume discounts of 3–5% are standard from major importers.
- **Time purchases to July–September.** Seasonal lows save GHS 400–600/ton.
- **Apply for the 5% duty concession.** Requires Ghana Highway Authority project certification.
- **Consolidate shipments.** Sharing a 3,000-ton parcel vessel with other buyers reduces freight by USD 10–15/ton.
- **Source from Nigerian refineries.** Shorter freight lanes (5–7 days vs. 25–30 days from Asia) cut logistics costs.
- **Negotiate CIF Tema terms.** Shifts freight risk to the supplier and simplifies your cost model.
For a 1,000-ton annual purchase, these strategies can save GHS 800,000 – 1,200,000 (USD 52,000 – 77,000) .
Market Outlook: Bitumen Price Trends in Accra for 2025
Three forces will shape Accra bitumen pricing through the rest of 2025:
1. Ghana Cedi stability. A stronger cedi (below GHS 15/USD) reduces imported bitumen costs by 4–6%.
2. Dangote Refinery ramp-up. Increased Nigerian bitumen output could pressure regional prices down by USD 15–25/ton by Q3 2025.
3. Government road spending. Ghana's 2025 infrastructure budget allocates GHS 2.8 billion to road construction — supporting steady demand.
Forecast: Bulk 60/70 bitumen in Accra is projected at GHS 6,900 – 7,500/ton (USD 445–484) by Q4 2025, assuming stable FX and no major supply disruptions.
FAQ: Bitumen Price in Accra
Q1: What is the current price of bitumen per ton in Accra?
As of Q1 2025, bulk 60/70 bitumen costs GHS 7,000–7,400 per ton (USD 452–478), while drummed 80/100 bitumen ranges from GHS 8,400–8,900 (USD 543–575). These prices are ex-works Accra and exclude VAT.
Q2: Is bitumen cheaper in Accra than in Lagos or Lomé?
Lagos is typically 5–8% cheaper due to local refinery supply, but Accra is 3–6% cheaper than Lomé and 8–10% cheaper than Abidjan. Accra's Tema Port efficiency and 5% concessionary duty make it the second most competitive market in West Africa.
Q3: How much does it cost to ship bitumen from the Middle East to Accra?
Ocean freight from the UAE or Saudi Arabia to Tema Port costs USD 40–90 per ton, depending on vessel size and season. A full 3,000-ton parcel vessel averages around USD 65/ton in total freight, insurance, and port handling.
Q4: What is the best time of year to buy bitumen in Accra?
July through September offers the lowest prices, with savings of GHS 400–600 per ton compared to dry-season peaks (January–March). Rainy-season construction slowdowns reduce demand and push suppliers to discount.
Q5: How much can I save by buying bitumen in bulk instead of drums?
Bulk tanker purchases save GHS 800–1,000 per ton on packaging and handling versus drummed bitumen. On a 500-ton order, that translates to GHS 400,000–500,000 (USD 26,000–32,000) in total savings.
Calculate Your Exact Bitumen Cost for Accra — Free
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What the 6Tar calculator gives you:
- Instant per-ton and total-order pricing
- Grade-by-grade comparison (60/70, 80/100, cutback, emulsion)
- Bulk vs. drum cost breakdown
- Seasonal price adjustments
- Currency conversion (GHS/USD/EUR)
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*Data sources: Ghana Revenue Authority tariff schedule, Bank of Ghana FX rates, Tema Port Authority, and 6Tar market intelligence (Q1 2025). Prices are indicative and subject to change.*