Star Oil’s Half-Year Contribution Explained

Star Oil’s report shows that from January to June 2025, they sold over 403 million litres of fuel and, through various taxes and levies, paid more than GHS 1.1 billion into Ghana’s economy.
Let’s break down each part and why it matters to you and me as ordinary citizens.

Custom Duties on Fuel – GHS 691,679,791.66

Every time Star Oil imports fuel, the government collects customs duties.
Why it matters: These funds help pay for big national projects, like road construction, free SHS, healthcare initiatives, and infrastructure development. In a way, every litre of fuel you buy contributes to building Ghana.

BOST Margin – GHS 47,420,088.00

BOST (Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation) maintains Ghana’s fuel reserves.
Why it matters: When there’s a global shortage or unexpected crisis, these reserves keep our economy running. That extra small margin you pay at the pump is Ghana’s insurance policy against fuel scarcity.

Fuel Marking Margin – GHS 35,565,066.00

Special markers are added to fuel to track and test it.
Why it matters: It protects you from bad fuel that can destroy car engines and ensures dealers don’t cheat the system. It also stops smuggling so government revenue isn’t lost.

UPPF Margin – GHS 146,554,314.56

UPPF (Unified Petroleum Price Fund) keeps prices stable nationwide.
Why it matters: It costs more to truck fuel to far-off places like Wa or Bawku than to Accra, but you don’t pay extra because this fund spreads the cost fairly. Whether you live in Tamale or Takoradi, you enjoy similar pump prices.

Price Stabilisation Levy – GHS 60,407,345.60

Global oil prices rise and fall sharply, but this levy cushions you from sudden hikes.
Why it matters: Imagine prices shooting up overnight, this fund helps soften the blow so transport fares and food prices don’t spiral out of control.

Primary Distribution – GHS 102,743,524.00

It’s the cost of getting fuel from major depots to filling stations nationwide.
Why it matters: Fuel isn’t useful if it stays at the port. This ensures trucks, tankers, and pipelines keep fuel flowing everywhere, from busy highways to small towns.

LPG Compensation – GHS 191,052.00

A support levy for cooking gas distribution.
Why it matters: It helps stabilize LPG prices so households can afford cleaner cooking gas instead of relying on charcoal or firewood, which harm health and the environment.

Withholding Tax & PAYE – GHS 25,328,592.55

This is income tax deducted from employees’ salaries and contractor payments.
Why it matters: Star Oil employs thousands of people. By remitting these taxes, it ensures workers’ contributions go straight to the government to fund essential services.

Growth and Sustainability Levy – GHS 3,125,000.00

A levy earmarked for renewable energy and sustainability programs.
Why it matters: A small part of today’s fuel price is invested in Ghana’s future energy mix, supporting solar, wind, and other green initiatives that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Corporate Income Tax – GHS 15,624,440.85

Tax on Star Oil’s profits.
Why it matters: Beyond levies on fuel, Star Oil shares part of its earnings with the state, further boosting the budget for development.

Beyond Taxes: Star Oil’s Reach

• Employees: Over 2,545 people directly employed. That’s 2,545 families supported.
• Filling Stations: 240 stations ensure fuel availability across Ghana.
• Total Volumes Sold: 403,313,950 litres, fuel that powers taxis, buses, trucks, and industries daily.

Why This Matters

When you buy fuel from a company like Star Oil, you’re not just filling your tank. You’re helping:

• Fund schools, hospitals, and roads through customs duties and taxes.
• Stabilize fuel prices and protect your budget through levies like UPPF and Price Stabilisation.
• Create jobs for thousands of Ghanaians.
• Invest in a cleaner, sustainable energy future.

Every cedi at the pump ripples through the economy, keeping Ghana moving, growing, and thriving.