The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Marketers Association of Ghana has issued a warning about a potential gas shortage in the market starting next week, which could lead to a surge in prices.
According to the association, the current LPG reserves in the country are dwindling, exacerbated by new regulations imposed by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on gas imports. Gabriel Kumi, Vice President of the association, indicated that the existing stock of LPG is not sustainable and will be depleted within a week.
“There is a significant shortage in the system. The 10,000 metric tons that have recently arrived will be exhausted by the end of the week. If we don’t bring in another shipment of gas by next week, we will face a serious shortage situation,” he warned. Kumi also mentioned that fluctuations in international market prices could lead to further increases.
He pointed out that the Atuabo Gas Plant, which typically meets 45 to 50 percent of the national demand, has been underperforming for the past month, compelling LPG marketers to rely heavily on imports. “We believe the only way to avert the shortage is for the NPA to instruct the Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) to expedite imports so we can adequately serve the public,” he suggested.
The association previously reported LPG shortages across various regions on September 26, warning that the situation could worsen if BDC supplies do not improve. Kumi stated at that time, “If this problem isn’t addressed today, we could enter the weekend facing severe shortages. About 60 to 70 percent of us have run out of LPG.” He noted that the few stations still stocked with gas were under immense pressure.
In response to the crisis, the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) assured that the issues were being resolved, attributing the shortages to initial challenges with the BDCs.
A source from TOR stated, “We expect supplies to improve very soon and for the situation to normalize.”