Bitumen Price in Ghana Today
Last updated: 2026-09-30
Bitumen Price in Ghana Today
Bitumen price in Ghana today ranges from GHS 12,800 to GHS 15,400 per metric ton (approximately USD 830–1,000/MT) for bulk 60/70 penetration grade, delivered to Tema or Takoradi ports. Retail drum prices (180 kg) sit between GHS 2,650 and GHS 3,200 depending on grade and supplier. Prices have risen roughly 11% quarter-on-quarter, driven by cedi depreciation and higher freight rates on the Middle East–West Africa route.
This guide breaks down current pricing by grade, port, and supplier type, compares imported versus locally blended material, and shows you exactly what drives the numbers so you can budget accurately for road construction, roofing, or waterproofing projects.
Current Bitumen Price Benchmarks in Ghana (2025)
The table below reflects indicative bulk and retail pricing as of the current quarter. Actual quotes vary by volume, payment terms, and Incoterms.
| Product / Grade | Unit | Bulk Price (GHS) | Bulk Price (USD equiv.) | Retail Price (GHS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitumen 60/70 (penetration) | per MT | 12,800 – 14,900 | 830 – 965 | — |
| Bitumen 80/100 | per MT | 12,500 – 14,600 | 810 – 945 | — |
| Bitumen 40/50 (hard grade) | per MT | 13,600 – 15,400 | 880 – 1,000 | — |
| Cutback bitumen (MC-30) | per MT | 14,200 – 16,000 | 920 – 1,035 | — |
| Emulsion (CRS-2, 60% residue) | per MT | 11,900 – 13,800 | 770 – 895 | — |
| Drum bitumen (180 kg, 60/70) | per drum | — | — | 2,650 – 3,200 |
| Oxidized bitumen (roofing grade) | per MT | 13,100 – 15,000 | 850 – 970 | — |
Key observations:
- Bulk buyers (20 MT+) typically negotiate 3–6% below the top of these ranges.
- CIF Tema pricing generally runs USD 40–70/MT higher than CIF Takoradi due to berthing demand and storage premiums.
- Payment terms matter: 30-day credit adds roughly 1.5–2.5% to the quoted price versus LC or cash.
These ranges reflect landed costs including port charges, but exclude inland transport. Add GHS 350–600 per MT for delivery to Kumasi, Tamale, or Accra construction sites.
What Drives the Bitumen Price in Ghana Today?
Five factors explain nearly all of the movement in Ghanaian bitumen pricing. Understanding them helps you time purchases and negotiate better.
Ghana imports over 90% of its bitumen, almost entirely priced in USD. That makes the cedi exchange rate the single largest price driver.
| Period | USD/GHS Rate | Effect on Bitumen Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months ago | ~11.9 | Baseline |
| 6 months ago | ~13.4 | +9–11% landed cost |
| Today | ~14.8 – 15.2 | +18–22% year-on-year |
A 1% cedi depreciation translates to roughly a 0.85–0.95% increase in local bitumen prices within 2–4 weeks, as importers reprice inventory.
Bitumen is a refinery residue, so it tracks crude — but imperfectly. The Singapore ABX (Argus Bitumen Index) is the reference for West African cargoes.
- Brent up 8% quarter-on-quarter → bitumen benchmarks up 5–7%
- Refinery outages in the Middle East (UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia) tighten supply in 14–21 days
- Seasonal road-building demand in Europe and India pulls cargoes away from West Africa
| Route | Freight Cost (USD/MT) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali → Tema | 95 – 130 | 22 – 28 days |
| Bandar Abbas → Tema | 105 – 140 | 25 – 32 days |
| Fujairah → Takoradi | 90 – 125 | 20 – 26 days |
| Singapore → Tema | 140 – 180 | 35 – 42 days |
Freight represents 12–18% of the landed cost. A single vessel delay of 7–10 days can push spot prices up GHS 200–400/MT locally when stocks run thin.
Ghana's bitumen market is dominated by a handful of importers and blenders operating storage at Tema (the main hub) and Takoradi. This concentration means:
- Stockouts at one major importer can move market prices 5–8% in a week
- Tender season (January–April) sees prices spike as government road contracts are awarded
- Competition from new entrants since 2023 has narrowed margins by an estimated 2–4%
Landed cost includes several statutory additions:
| Cost Component | Approx. Amount (GHS/MT) |
|---|---|
| Customs duty (HS 2713) | Varies; often 5–10% |
| VAT and NHIL/GETFund levies | ~18–21% combined on CIF |
| Port handling (Tema/Takoradi) | 180 – 320 |
| Storage (first 30 days) | 90 – 160 |
| Weighbridge, documentation | 40 – 80 |
These charges add roughly GHS 900–1,600 per MT on top of CIF value, which is why the local price diverges sharply from international benchmarks.
Imported vs. Locally Blended Bitumen: Price Comparison
Not all bitumen in Ghana arrives as finished product. Some is imported as penetration-grade base stock and blended locally to spec. Here's how the economics compare.
| Factor | Fully Imported (60/70) | Locally Blended (60/70) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per MT (GHS) | 12,800 – 14,900 | 12,200 – 14,200 |
| Lead time | 22 – 35 days | 5 – 12 days |
| Quality consistency | High (refinery certified) | Medium–High (depends on blender) |
| Minimum order | 20 MT (1 drum container ~ 18 MT) | 5 – 10 MT |
| Payment terms | LC or 50% deposit | Often flexible, 30-day credit available |
| Best for | Government road contracts, strict spec jobs | Private roads, roofing, smaller projects |
Practical takeaway: if your project specifies ASTM D946 or EN 12591 compliance, fully imported material is the safer route. If you're working on private access roads, roofing, or waterproofing where spec tolerance is wider, locally blended bitumen saves you GHS 400–800/MT.
Regional Price Variations Within Ghana
Bitumen doesn't cost the same in Accra as it does in Tamale. Inland logistics add real money.
| Delivery Location | Added Cost vs. Tema Ex-Works (GHS/MT) | Total Indicative Range (GHS/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| Tema (ex-works) | 0 | 12,800 – 14,900 |
| Accra | 120 – 180 | 12,920 – 15,080 |
| Takoradi | 200 – 320 | 13,000 – 15,220 |
| Kumasi | 350 – 500 | 13,150 – 15,400 |
| Tamale | 500 – 700 | 13,300 – 15,600 |
| Bolgatanga | 600 – 850 | 13,400 – 15,750 |
Notes:
- These figures assume full truckloads (30–40 MT). Part loads (under 15 MT) can add 20–35% to transport cost.
- Rainy season (May–October) can increase delivery times by 2–5 days on northern routes, occasionally triggering surcharges.
- Fuel price adjustments in Ghana directly affect haulage rates; a 10% diesel increase adds roughly GHS 60–90/MT to inland delivery.
Historical Price Trend: 2022–2025
Seeing the trend helps you forecast. Here's how bulk 60/70 bitumen pricing has moved.
| Year | Avg. Bulk Price (GHS/MT) | Avg. Bulk Price (USD/MT) | YoY Change (GHS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8,400 | 950 | — |
| 2023 | 10,200 | 880 | +21.4% |
| 2024 | 12,100 | 850 | +18.6% |
| 2025 (current) | 13,850 | 915 | +14.5% |
What this tells you:
- In USD terms, Ghanaian bitumen has been relatively stable — the volatility is almost entirely a currency story.
- GHS prices have risen 65% in three years while USD prices moved less than 4%. If you're budgeting in cedis, this is the number that matters.
- Forecast: if the cedi stabilizes near 15.0 and Brent holds below USD 85/bbl, expect GHS 13,500–15,200/MT to persist through the next two quarters. A cedi slide to 16.5 would push prices to GHS 15,500–17,000/MT.
How to Get the Best Bitumen Price in Ghana Today
Five practical moves that consistently save buyers money:
- Buy in full container or bulk vessel lots. Moving from 5 MT to 25 MT typically unlocks a GHS 500–900/MT discount.
- Lock forward contracts during low-demand windows. December–January (before tender season) often offers 3–5% better pricing than March–April.
- Compare Tema vs. Takoradi. If your project is in the Western Region, Takoradi can save GHS 150–300/MT on freight.
- Pay in USD if you hold FX. Suppliers price off USD; paying in dollars often avoids a 1.5–3% conversion margin.
- Verify quality certificates before price. Cheap bitumen that fails penetration or softening point tests costs far more in rework. Always request batch test reports (penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point).
FAQ: Bitumen Price in Ghana Today
Q1: What is the current price of bitumen per ton in Ghana?
Bulk 60/70 bitumen currently ranges from GHS 12,800 to GHS 15,400 per metric ton, with most transactions landing around GHS 13,800/MT. Prices vary by grade, delivery location, and payment terms.
Q2: How much does a drum of bitumen cost in Ghana right now?
A standard 180 kg drum of 60/70 bitumen sells for GHS 2,650 to GHS 3,200, depending on the supplier and whether you buy single drums or pallet quantities. Buying 10+ drums usually drops the price to the lower end of that range.
Q3: Is bitumen cheaper in Tema or Takoradi?
Tema usually has more suppliers and higher stock levels, but Takoradi offers lower freight costs for Western Region projects. Ex-works pricing is often GHS 100–250/MT cheaper in Takoradi, though Tema wins on availability during peak season.
Q4: Why has bitumen price in Ghana increased so much?
The increase is driven mainly by cedi depreciation against the USD (about 20% year-on-year) and higher ocean freight rates. Crude oil and refinery dynamics contribute, but currency movement explains roughly 70–80% of the recent GHS price rise.
Q5: What is the price of 60/70 bitumen compared to 80/100 in Ghana?
60/70 grade is typically GHS 200–400/MT more expensive than 80/100 grade because it's the standard for most road construction specs in Ghana. As of today, 60/70 sits at GHS 12,800–14,900/MT, while 80/100 ranges from GHS 12,500–14,600/MT.
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