The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has addressed concerns regarding reported petrol shortages in northern Ghana, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm and that measures are in place to resolve the situation. The NPA, in a statement released following reports of localized petrol shortages, confirmed that a Technical Committee on energy, established by the Chief of Staff, convened on January 10, 2025, to devise solutions to the issue. The committee identified logistical challenges as the root cause of the shortages and has implemented a three-pronged approach to rectify the situation and ensure consistent fuel supply to the affected regions.
The first element of this strategy involves granting special dispensation to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to access petrol from the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) depot in Kumasi. This will enable OMCs to more effectively supply retail outlets across the five regions of northern Ghana, mitigating transportation issues and ensuring a steadier flow of petrol to the affected areas. By leveraging the existing infrastructure in Kumasi, the NPA aims to bypass the logistical bottlenecks that have contributed to the shortages.
In addition to accessing the Kumasi depot, OMCs have also been granted special permission to increase their petrol loadings from depots in Tema. This measure acts as a supplementary supply route, augmenting the fuel being transported from Kumasi and further bolstering the supply chain in the northern regions. By diversifying the supply sources and increasing the volume of petrol being transported, the NPA aims to quickly replenish depleted stocks and stabilize the fuel market in the affected areas.
The third component of the NPA’s strategy involves a collaborative effort with BOST to transfer nine million liters of petrol currently held in the pipeline between the Buipe and Bolgatanga depots into storage in Bolgatanga. This strategic reallocation of existing resources will enable a more immediate supply of petrol to retail outlets in the five northern regions. Utilizing the Bolgatanga depot as a central distribution point will streamline the supply process and facilitate a quicker response to the shortages, ensuring that consumers have access to the fuel they need.
The NPA has emphasized that these three strategic measures are being implemented concurrently to swiftly address the petrol shortage issue and minimize disruption to consumers. This multi-pronged approach, combining increased access to existing resources, diversified supply routes, and strategic reallocation of fuel stocks, is designed to effectively tackle the logistical challenges that have led to the shortages and prevent similar situations from arising in the future. The authority has assured the public that these measures are already yielding positive results and that the situation is under control.
To further allay public concerns, the NPA has encouraged consumers to refrain from panic buying, emphasizing that there are sufficient fuel stocks in the country and that the situation is temporary. The authority also confirmed that additional vessels carrying petrol are scheduled to arrive in the country, further boosting the national supply and solidifying long-term fuel security. This proactive approach to managing fuel resources demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable petrol supply for all Ghanaians.
The NPA’s statement underlines its commitment to maintaining a consistent and reliable fuel supply throughout the country. By implementing this comprehensive three-pronged strategy, the authority aims to swiftly resolve the petrol shortages in the northern regions, allay public concerns, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The NPA’s proactive approach, combined with its transparent communication with the public, demonstrates its commitment to ensuring energy security and stability for all Ghanaians.
