Alhassan Tampuli
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has assured that gas filling station shall remain open during the two weeks lockdown in some parts of Ghana.
It has therefore encouraged the general public to stop panic buying.
In a statement issued by its corporate affairs department, NPA says it “has noted with concern the panic buying of petroleum products as a result of anticipated shortages especially in areas affected by the two weeks mandatory lockdown in both Greater Accra and Ashanti regions which is to take effect at 1:00am on Monday 30th March, 2020.”
According to the statement, this is resulting in crowding of consumers at retail outlets and thereby violating the social distancing protocols which health experts have advised is an important measure of controlling the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID19).
“The NPA wishes to assure the general public that the country has adequate stocks of petroleum products and all retail outlets will be fully operational during the lockdown period. In view of this there will be NO SHORTAGES OF LPG, PETROL OR DIESEL in the country during and beyond the lockdown period,” it added.
It explained that the NPA has a duty to ensure consumers have access to petroleum products and will continue to work with Petroleum Service Providers to ensure security of supplies.
“We therefore appeal to consumers of petroleum products to avoid the temptation of crowding at fuel stations.”
By Melvin Tarlue