Dr. Patrick Ofori The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Dr. Patrick Ofori, has called on the government to phase out the subsidy on premix fuel, citing persistent delays in reimbursements and inefficiencies in the system.Speaking in an interview on Hot Issues on Sunday, Dr. Ofori argued that the current subsidy regime is discouraging importers and undermining supply within the petroleum sector.According to him, bulk importers who supply fuel for premix production often face delays of up to three or four months in receiving payments from the government.This, he explained, exposes them to significant risks, including fluctuations in international fuel prices and exchange rate volatility.“An importer would rather sell petrol directly to an oil marketing company for immediate returns than supply a subsidised product and wait months to be reimbursed,” he said.Dr. Ofori noted that the structure of the subsidy has created a disincentive for suppliers, leading to supply constraints in the premix fuel chain.As a result, he said, many fishing communities, the intended beneficiaries of the subsidy, are unable to access the product when needed.He observed that in several cases, fishermen are forced to purchase regular petrol from oil marketing companies at higher prices, thereby increasing their operational costs instead of reducing them.“Because of the subsidy and the associated challenges, they are rather paying more since they cannot even get the product,” he stressed.The Bulk Oil Distributors CEO described the situation as counterproductive, warning that a policy designed to support the fishing sector is failing to deliver its intended benefits.He therefore urged the government to review the arrangement, suggesting that resources currently tied to the subsidy could be redirected to address broader structural challenges in the petroleum sector.Dr. Ofori emphasised that reforms aimed at improving efficiency, ensuring timely payments, and strengthening supply chains would yield better outcomes for both industry players and end-users.His comments come amid ongoing debates about energy sector reforms and the sustainability of subsidies, particularly as government seeks to balance fiscal pressures with social interventions.A Business Desk Report