The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) refuted claims made by the Institute of Energy Security (IES) and the Chamber for Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) accusing the regulator of being lenient with Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited (SORL).
In response to a report from IES and COPEC alleging that the refinery had supplied fuel that didn’t meet regulatory specifications, the NPA issued a statement. The NPA has since withdrawn approval for Sentuo Oil Refinery to supply the product in question.
The NPA emphasized that it has consistently enforced industry regulations fairly and impartially.
“It is therefore incorrect for the IES and COPEC to allege that the NPA is “playing soft” with SORL “to the detriment of consumers and the state. Beyond the construction permit, the NPA, issued SORL with a test-run authorisation in October of 2023, based on a report by its technical teams and external inspectors. The test-run authorisation expires on the 31st of March 2024. It is therefore, incorrect for IES and COPEC to state that SORL has only a construction permit”, the statement said.
It made it clear that a refinery can release goods based on national standards onto the market with a test-run permit.
“During NPA’s monitoring and verification exercise on the 16th of February 2024, the petrol consignment in question was noted to exhibit vapour pressure above the maximum requirement per the Ghana Standard for Petrol, GS 140:2022. The NPA immediately directed the suspension of sale of the consignment at the refinery and further directed the evacuation of the product from the affected stations”.
Denying that the situation caused damage to drivers’ vehicles, the NPA described the claims made by the IES and COPEC as false and alarmist.
“No such damage to vehicles has occurred as the defect has to do with high vapour pressure”.
The NPA however said “beyond the remedial actions taken, sanctions have also been imposed on Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited.
“The NPA remains dedicated to ensuring the integrity and quality of petroleum products made available to the public. The NPA also wishes to assure the public that it enforces the rules without bias and in the interest of the consuming public”, the stamen ended.