Special topics
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has introduced
measures to ensure a continuous importation and supply of petroleum products in
the country.
These measures have effectively prevented fuel shortages,
which have been experienced in neighboring countries such as Nigeria, Kenya,
and Zambia.
During a media engagement in Cape Coast, Dominic Aboagye,
the Head of Planning at NPA, explained the interventions that have been put in
place. These include efficient management of storage depots, the implementation
of a laycan allocation program, and robust stock monitoring and reporting
systems.
Mr. Aboagye also highlighted the significance of initiatives
such as the ‘Gold for Oil program,’ the Bank of Ghana’s foreign exchange
support to Bulk Oil Distribution Companies, and the issuance of Special
International Oil Trading Licenses. These, he said, played a crucial role in
mitigating any potential risks of fuel supply disruptions.
Aboagye acknowledged that the recent Russia-Ukraine war had
caused disruptions in global fuel supply. He emphasized that approximately 80%
of the country’s fuel consumption relies on imports. However, the local
production of fuel by Akwaaba Oil Refinery and the Platon Gas Oil Refinery has
provided valuable support to the sector.
Aboagye further mentioned the upcoming operations of the
Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and the completion of the Sentuo refinery. The first
phase of the Sentuo refinery will have a production capacity of 40,000 barrels
per day, which will later increase to 100,000 barrels per day. Aboagye believes
that these developments will contribute to achieving local fuel sufficiency.
Highlighting the regulatory aspect, Michael Opoku-Obiri, the
Central Regional Manager of NPA, outlined the requirements for starting a
filling station. These include possessing a site plan, obtaining a no-objection
construction permit, an authorization test run, and obtaining an operating
authorization from the NPA.
Mr. Opoku-Obiri also mentioned the NPA’s efforts to ensure
compliance with quality and safety standards at filling stations. These include
conducting regular inspections, random compliance checks, and monthly quality
control visits. Infractions such as using loading ramps to overfill vehicles,
under-delivery at the pumps, and the unavailability of water finding paste are
being addressed by the NPA in the region, he added.
The media engagement, organized by the Communications
Department, aimed to showcase the NPA’s activities in the petroleum downstream
sector and address industry-related inquiries from the media.
In his welcome address on behalf of the NPA Chief Executive,
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Alpha Welbeck, the Director of Economic Regulation
and Planning, emphasized that this year’s focus is on ensuring the security of
petroleum product supply and complying with the requirements for siting filling
stations.
