Benjamin Armstrong
PLAYERS IN the oil and gas industry are calling for the strict enforcement of standards and protocols across the value chain.
According to the service providers, this would ensure the products sold at the pumps are not compromised.
Managing Director at Bidi Group Ghana, Benjamin Armstrong, speaking with the media on the sidelines of the Ghana International Product Awards (GIPA), where he was adjudged the CEO of the year in the Oil and Gas Services sector, said the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) must ensure the compliance of businesses.
He said for instance, the NPA ought to strictly implement the regular mandatory cleaning of storage tanks.
Mr. Armstrong stated that this would ensure residue accumulated in the tanks over the period does not find its way into the vehicles of consumers, which could damage their assets.
“The NPA requires that all fuel storage tanks at the fueling stations or gas stations be cleaned at least once every three years. This is because the fuel storage tanks build up sludge and water because they are buried underground, and fuel at a particular point in time decomposes into its various components.
“So, it is recommended that the fuel storage tanks are cleaned. But the challenge is that some of the oil marketing companies do not do it as regularly as required,” he stated.
He further indicated that technically, if a fuel storage tank is not clean, and sludge and water build up, chances are that motorists will pick up the dirt and the sludge from the tank can lead to damage to properties.
Ghana International Product Awards (GIPA), organised by KN Unique Communications, is the largest consumer-reviews-based awards in Ghana.
This event guides consumers to the best products and rewards manufacturers, distributors, retailers, importers and exporters for their commitment to excellence and quality.
BY Jamila Akweley Okertchiri