The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has addressed recent concerns regarding a shortage of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in parts of Ghana, reassuring the public that steps are being taken to prevent such issues from recurring. According to the NPA, the recent shortage was the result of operational challenges at some depots, but these have now been resolved.
What Led to the LPG Shortage?
The shortage was triggered after an LPG vessel discharged its contents at four depots, where reconciliation issues arose. During the reconciliation process, unusual losses were detected at some depots, leading to delays in releasing the gas to marketers. The head of economic regulation at NPA, Abass Samari, explained that these losses exceeded the normal allowable limits, prompting a discussion between the supplier and the receivers to agree on the final quantities. This process took some time, which led to concerns about potential shortages.
However, Samari confirmed that as of now, all reconciliation issues have been resolved, and sales from the depots are set to resume, assuring the public that the situation has been handled. He added that the products are already at the depots, and the volumes have been uploaded into the system, meaning sales to LPG marketers can begin immediately.
NPA’s Plans to Prevent Future Shortages
While this incident raised concerns, Samari highlighted that the NPA’s main task is to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products for consumers. He noted that the authority had already introduced measures earlier this year to ensure that such shortages are avoided.
One of the key initiatives is the LPG tender program, which coordinates the importation of LPG in bulk for suppliers, ensuring a consistent supply of the product. This program, which has been in place since the beginning of the year, had successfully prevented shortages until the recent operational hiccup.
Samari assured that Ghana currently has more than three weeks’ worth of LPG in stock, which should last nearly a month. He emphasized that the recent shortage was an isolated operational issue, not a systemic problem, and that the NPA is committed to continuous monitoring to prevent future occurrences.
Proactive Measures Going Forward
When asked why the NPA hadn’t taken proactive steps to prevent such operational issues from occurring, Samari acknowledged that operational challenges are sometimes inevitable. However, he emphasized that the key is how such issues are addressed when they arise.
Going forward, the NPA plans to provide clearer guidelines for suppliers to avoid misunderstandings during reconciliation. This includes ensuring that all suppliers are fully aware of the standards for reconciliation before discharges begin. By addressing these issues proactively, the NPA aims to prevent delays and ensure a smooth supply chain for LPG in the future.
Conclusion
The recent LPG shortage in parts of Ghana may have caused concern, but the NPA has swiftly addressed the situation and assured the public that measures are being put in place to prevent future challenges. With more than three weeks of LPG stock and a robust tender program in place, the NPA is confident that Ghana will continue to enjoy a stable supply of LPG in the coming months.
