Container freight rates remain highly sensitive to disruption, capacity management and fuel costs. Drewry’s World Container Index rose during May 2026, reaching US$2,553 per 40ft container around 14 May, about US$2,712 later in the month, and US$2,800 by 28 May. The numbers show that even when markets are not at pandemic-era extremes, volatility can still...
The Red Sea disruption has become one of the most important logistics stories of recent years. Ships avoiding the Suez and Red Sea routes often divert around the Cape of Good Hope, adding distance, fuel consumption, transit time and schedule uncertainty. UNCTAD has warned that maritime trade is under pressure from conflict, tariffs and route...
The global energy market has moved from a price-cycle story to a risk-management story. The conflict involving Iran and the wider Middle East has placed a lasting premium on crude oil, refined products, marine fuel, insurance, freight and working capital. For Ghanaian and West African importers, this means energy procurement can no longer be treated...
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive energy corridors, and instability around it has become a defining issue for 2026 energy security. The International Energy Agency’s May 2026 public Oil Market Report stated that global oil supply had fallen sharply, with total losses since February reaching 12.8 million barrels per day....
Ghana’s energy future is being shaped by two powerful forces: the global transition toward cleaner energy and the immediate need for reliable, affordable supply. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition continues to guide policy formulation, monitoring and sector coordination, while Ghana’s broader regulatory environment covers petroleum, electricity, renewables and power-market operations. The challenge for...
Commodity markets have changed direction under the pressure of conflict and energy disruption. The World Bank’s April 2026 Commodity Markets Outlook reported that overall commodity prices were forecast to rise by 16% in 2026, while energy prices were projected to surge by 24%. This is a major warning for companies that buy, sell or transport...
Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025 has moved from political concept to legal reality. Parliament debated the Bill in February 2026, and the Presidency announced that President John Dramani Mahama assented to it on 19 February 2026. Parliament’s explanation of the Bill described its object as establishing an authority for integrated and sustainable transformation of...
Energy shocks do not stop at the fuel pump. They move into fertilizer, food production, manufacturing, mining and construction. When energy prices rise, the cost of producing and transporting agricultural inputs increases. This can affect fertilizer, irrigation, cold storage, trucking and food processing. The World Bank’s warning that energy prices are projected to rise sharply...
Commodity and petroleum transactions increasingly require stronger compliance discipline. In conflict-sensitive markets, banks, insurers, buyers and logistics partners pay closer attention to sanctions risk, origin verification, beneficial ownership, payment flows and documentation integrity. This is especially true when goods move across multiple jurisdictions or involve high-value energy, gold, minerals, fuel or agricultural commodities. Trade finance...
Shipping disruption has made contract language more important. Red Sea diversions, Middle East conflict risk, higher fuel costs and port congestion can all affect delivery schedules and costs. If contracts do not clearly define responsibilities, a profitable trade can turn into a dispute. Companies should review clauses covering force majeure, war risk, delay, demurrage, insurance,...
