Bitumen Price in Accra Ghana
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Bitumen Price in Accra Ghana
As of Q2 2025, the bulk ex-warehouse price of 60/70 penetration grade bitumen in Accra ranges from GHS 9,800 to GHS 11,400 per metric ton, equivalent to approximately USD 640–745 per MT at prevailing exchange rates. Imported drums (181 kg) sell for GHS 1,900–2,150 each, while bulk tanker deliveries to Tema Port–based projects settle between USD 560–620 per MT CIF Tema. Prices vary by grade, packaging, order volume, and payment terms — the tables below break down every variable.
Bitumen Price by Grade in Accra (Q2 2025)
Bitumen is not a single commodity. Penetration grade, viscosity grade, and modified binders carry different price points depending on refinery origin and regional supply.
| Grade | Common Use | Price per MT (GHS) | Price per MT (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60/70 pen | Road base & wearing course | 9,800 – 11,000 | 640 – 720 |
| 80/100 pen | Surface dressing, warm climates | 9,600 – 10,800 | 630 – 705 |
| 40/50 pen | Heavy-duty & airport pavements | 10,500 – 11,400 | 685 – 745 |
| CRS-2 emulsion | Tack coat, chip seal | 12,200 – 13,500 | 800 – 880 |
| PMB (SBS modified) | High-traffic highways | 13,800 – 15,600 | 900 – 1,020 |
Key takeaway: Modified bitumen carries a 25–40% premium over standard penetration grades due to polymer additive costs (SBS/styrene-butadiene-styrene trading at USD 1,300–1,500/MT).
Cost Components: What Drives the Bitumen Price in Accra
The landed price in Accra is built from six layers. Understanding each helps buyers negotiate and forecast.
- FOB refinery price: USD 420–480/MT (Middle East, Far East origins)
- Freight to Tema Port: USD 60–95/MT (varies with vessel size and route)
- Import duty & levies: 5–12% of CIF value depending on HS code classification
- Port handling & demurrage risk: GHS 180–320/MT
- Inland haulage (Tema → Accra): GHS 90–150/MT for bulk tankers
- Supplier margin & finance cost: 8–15%
| Cost Layer | Low (USD/MT) | High (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| FOB origin | 420 | 480 |
| Ocean freight | 60 | 95 |
| Duty & levies | 25 | 55 |
| Port + inland logistics | 35 | 60 |
| Margin & financing | 40 | 75 |
| Total landed (Accra) | 580 | 765 |
Bulk vs. Drum vs. IBC: Packaging Price Comparison
Packaging changes unit economics dramatically. Drums add steel and handling costs; bulk offers the lowest per-ton price but requires tanker infrastructure.
| Packaging | Unit | Price (GHS) | Price per MT (GHS) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk tanker | per MT | 9,800 – 11,000 | 9,800 – 11,000 | Large road contracts (>500 MT) |
| Steel drum (181 kg) | per drum | 1,900 – 2,150 | 10,500 – 11,880 | Remote sites, small projects |
| IBC / jumbo bag | per MT | 10,900 – 12,300 | 10,900 – 12,300 | Medium projects (50–300 MT) |
- Bulk saves 8–12% versus drums on identical grades.
- Drum reuse credits of GHS 120–200/drum are sometimes offered by established suppliers.
- Minimum order quantities: bulk 20 MT (one tanker), drums 10 MT, IBC 5 MT.
Price Trends: 2023–2025 Historical Comparison
Bitumen price in Accra has tracked Brent crude volatility and cedi depreciation. The trend table shows annual average bulk prices.
| Year | Avg Price (GHS/MT) | Avg Price (USD/MT) | YoY Change (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7,400 | 610 | — |
| 2024 | 8,900 | 665 | +9.0% |
| 2025 (YTD) | 10,100 | 690 | +3.8% |
- Cedi depreciation accounts for roughly 60% of the GHS price increase since 2023.
- Global supply: Iranian and UAE exports to West Africa rose 14% in 2024, easing FOB pressure.
- Seasonal pattern: Prices peak February–April (Ghana's dry construction season) and soften July–September during the rains.
- Forecast: Expect GHS 9,500–11,500/MT through Q4 2025 absent major geopolitical shocks.
How to Get the Best Bitumen Price in Accra
Buyers consistently overpay by 10–18% due to poor timing and weak supplier benchmarking. Use these six levers:
1. Buy in the off-season (July–September). Discounts of GHS 400–700/MT are common when contractors scale back.
2. Order in full tanker loads (≥20 MT). Per-ton savings of GHS 500–900 versus part loads.
3. Lock forward contracts for 3–6 months to hedge against cedi swings.
4. Verify refinery origin. Iranian, UAE, and Singapore grades differ in quality and price by up to USD 40/MT.
5. Negotiate payment terms. 30-day credit typically adds 2–4% to the quoted price.
6. Request CIF Tema vs. ex-warehouse quotes. Comparing Incoterms exposes hidden margins.
FAQ: Bitumen Price in Accra
What is the current price of bitumen in Accra?
As of Q2 2025, 60/70 penetration grade bitumen sells for GHS 9,800–11,400 per metric ton ex-warehouse, or roughly USD 640–745/MT. Drummed product costs GHS 1,900–2,150 per 181 kg drum.
Is bitumen cheaper in Accra or Tema?
Tema is typically 3–7% cheaper than Accra because it eliminates inland haulage of GHS 90–150/MT. However, Accra suppliers often bundle delivery, so the net difference narrows to 1–3% for orders above 50 MT.
What grade of bitumen is most used in Ghana?
60/70 penetration grade dominates, accounting for roughly 70% of Ghanaian road construction demand. It performs well in Ghana's tropical climate and is specified by the Ghana Highway Authority for most trunk roads.
How much does a 20 MT tanker of bitumen cost in Accra?
A full 20 MT tanker of 60/70 grade costs GHS 196,000–220,000 (about USD 12,800–14,900). Bulk buyers ordering 100 MT or more can negotiate down to GHS 9,500/MT.
Does bitumen price in Accra include delivery?
Most quotes are ex-warehouse Accra and exclude delivery. Delivered pricing adds GHS 120–250/MT for sites within Greater Accra and GHS 300–600/MT for upcountry destinations like Kumasi or Tamale.
Calculate Your Exact Bitumen Cost with 6Tar
Stop guessing. Use the 6Tar cost calculator to get a real-time, landed-cost estimate for any bitumen grade, quantity, and destination in Ghana — factoring in freight, duties, and current market rates. Whether you're buying 5 drums or 500 MT by tanker, 6Tar gives you the precise number before you commit, so you negotiate from strength, not guesswork.