The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), a regulator of the downstream petroleum industry, has clamped down on sixteen illegal reseller outlets popularly known as ‘gao gao’ in the Upper East Region.
The region had observed an alarming proliferation of these reseller outlets in areas such as Pelungu, Duusi, Gbane Shiega, Tongo, Gaare, Chuchuliga, Bolga Soe, Sirigu, Bongo, Zonno, Namolga, Sakote, Zorko and Kpale, selling petroleum products without authorisation from the NPA.
The Upper East Regional Manager of NPA, Mr Bashiru Natogma, disclosed this to the media during an interview, and he said the NPA Act prohibits any person, other than one licensed under the Act, from having a petroleum product in quantities unreasonably more than that person’s immediate requirement.
He said those outlets lacked the necessary safety measures and infrastructure to handle and store petroleum products safely.
The Regional Manager explained that “some of them often operate near public spaces, increasing the risk of accidents and fire outbreaks. The absence of proper or adequate fire prevention systems such as firefighting equipment and trained personnel further exacerbates these dangers.”
Mr Natogma said the operation was to uphold the quality, pricing and safety of retailing petroleum products.
He advised the public about the risk associated with purchasing petroleum products from unauthorised reseller outlets.
He encouraged the public to purchase petroleum products from authorised reseller outlets and fuel stations.
The Regional Boss further cautioned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) engaging in this illegal act to desist from it and seek proper guidance to legally operate reseller outlets.
He warned that OMCs caught supplying petroleum products to these unauthorised reseller outlets would be severely sanctioned by the regulator.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com