NPA Addresses Concerns Over Potential Petrol Shortage in the Northern Regions

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has sought to allay public concerns regarding the reported petrol shortages in parts of northern Ghana, assuring citizens that there is no need for panic.
In a statement released on January 10, 2025, the NPA responded to reports of a fuel shortage in several northern regions, clarifying that the issue is primarily due to logistical challenges. The NPA further explained that the Chief of Staff had convened a Technical Committee on energy to address the situation, and that efforts were already underway to resolve the problem through a comprehensive three-pronged approach.
The first key action taken by the NPA involves granting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) a special dispensation to transport petrol from the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) depot in Kumasi to retail outlets in the northern regions. This measure will ensure a steady fuel supply to meet the needs of consumers in the five northern regions of the country.
The second solution is to allow OMCs to access additional fuel from depots in Tema to supplement the petrol being moved from Kumasi. By doing this, the NPA aims to further bolster fuel availability across northern Ghana and prevent any supply disruptions.
Lastly, the NPA is collaborating with BOST to move nine million litres of petrol stored in the pipeline between the Buipe and Bolgatanga depots into Bolgatanga’s storage facilities. This move is designed to immediately provide adequate fuel for retail outlets in the northern regions, ensuring that fuel is available without delay.
The NPA emphasized that all three measures are being implemented simultaneously to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. The authority also reassured the public that the situation is being addressed with urgency, and it called for people to refrain from panic buying, which could exacerbate the problem.
The NPA took the opportunity to remind Ghanaians that the country has sufficient fuel reserves, and that shipments of fuel products are already en route. The authority assured citizens that there is no need for concern, as additional vessels are scheduled to discharge fuel into the country in the coming days, further strengthening the country’s fuel supply.
In its final remarks, the NPA encouraged the public to go about their regular activities and to trust that all necessary steps are being taken to stabilize the fuel supply. It urged people not to engage in panic buying, as there is no fuel shortage in the country, and the supply chain is actively being managed to prevent further disruptions.
By implementing these measures, the NPA is confident that fuel availability will soon be restored to normal levels in the northern regions, and that consumers will not face any long-term difficulties in accessing petrol. The NPA reassured the public that it is fully committed to managing the fuel supply efficiently and ensuring the stability of the energy sector in Ghana.