Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Gabriel Kumi, has revealed that Star Oil’s decision to suspend its membership of the Chamber came as a complete surprise to the Association’s leadership.
Speaking on the development, Mr Kumi said the move by Ghana’s market-leading oil marketing company was unexpected, particularly given its long-standing influence and leadership role within COMAC. “We didn’t see it coming,” he said, describing the decision as unforeseen and disappointing.
Star Oil earlier this week announced an indefinite suspension of its COMAC membership, citing concerns about internal processes and disagreements surrounding the petroleum price floor policy. The move has sent ripples through the downstream petroleum sector, where the policy has already sparked intense debate.
Mr Kumi was quick to stress that Star Oil is far from a marginal member of the Association. According to him, the company has been central to COMAC’s evolution and success over the years.
“Star Oil has been a very key member of the Chamber,” he said, underscoring the company’s significance within the Association’s structure and decision-making processes.
He noted that Star Oil holds one of the most senior leadership positions within COMAC, serving as the vice chair of the Chamber.
“Indeed, Star occupies the number two position, that is, the vice chair of our Chamber, and they have contributed a lot towards the success story of the Chamber.”
Mr. Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)
Given that history and level of involvement, he said the decision to suspend membership was not anticipated by the Chamber’s leadership or its broader membership.
Disagreements Acknowledged but Not Expected to Escalate
The COMAC Chairman acknowledged that Star Oil has, in recent months, raised concerns about certain policies being pursued by the Chamber, particularly those relating to fuel pricing and the controversial petroleum price floor.
“However, we are very much aware of certain disagreements with certain policies that Star Oil has been expressing.”
Mr. Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)
Despite those differences, Mr Kumi explained that the Chamber did not believe the disagreements were severe enough to warrant such a drastic step as suspending membership.
“But we didn’t really think that it was going to get this far,” he added, suggesting that the move caught the leadership off guard despite ongoing policy debates within the Association.
Cordial Talks Underway to Resolve Differences
COMAC has since moved quickly to engage Star Oil, with Mr Kumi revealing that discussions between both sides have been cordial and constructive.
“He wrote privately to us. We responded privately to him, and I want to keep it at that, but it was a very cordial response.”
Mr. Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)
He described the relationship in personal terms, emphasising the camaraderie that exists within the Chamber. “He’s one of us, and we are all brothers. We are all friends. I call him; we laughed, we’re having fun about the whole thing,” he added.
According to Mr Kumi, these interactions give him confidence that the issue can be resolved amicably.
The COMAC Chairman disclosed that the Chamber has activated internal mechanisms aimed at engaging Star Oil and encouraging the company to reconsider its decision.
A small team has been tasked to lead discussions, highlighting the importance of Star Oil’s continued presence in the Association.
He likened COMAC to a political organisation that thrives on unity and numbers. “An association is like a political party; it runs on numbers,” he said.
Mr Kumi stressed that Star Oil’s stature makes its absence particularly significant. “This is not an ordinary member. Star Oil is the industry leader. Secondly, he is the vice chair of the Chamber,” he noted.
“So naturally, we wouldn’t want to lose such a member, or any other member for that matter.”
Mr. Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)
Industry Tensions Over Fuel Price Floor
Star Oil’s suspension comes amid deepening divisions within the downstream petroleum sector over the fuel price floor policy, which was introduced to curb excessive price undercutting among oil marketing companies.
While supporters argue that the policy promotes market stability and protects smaller players, critics say it distorts competition, rewards inefficiency, and ultimately hurts consumers.
In announcing its exit, Star Oil cited concerns about fair representation of members’ views and dissatisfaction with how the Chamber has handled the ongoing debate over the policy.
The market leader’s decision has intensified pressure on COMAC as it seeks to maintain a unified industry position on one of the most contentious regulatory issues in the sector.
For now, Mr Kumi remains optimistic that dialogue will prevail and that Star Oil will return to the Chamber. “So when such a member suspends itself, it’s just natural that you go to him, engage him and try to get him to rescind his decision,” he said.
As talks continue behind closed doors, industry observers will be watching closely to see whether COMAC can bridge its internal divisions and restore cohesion within Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
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