In response to severe flooding across parts of the country, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued an emergency directive mandating the immediate shutdown of all fuel stations inundated by floodwaters. The regulator warned that any operator who fails to comply with the stringent safety measures faces severe regulatory sanctions and potential prosecution.
The NPA’s intervention is aimed at averting catastrophic incidents, citing grave risks of fuel contamination, fire outbreaks, explosions, and environmental pollution resulting from the heavy rainfall.
Immediate Suspension of Operations In a public notice issued to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers, and transporters, the NPA ordered an immediate halt to all operations at affected facilities. If floodwaters have breached the forecourt, tank areas, or underground storage tanks, operators must stop all fuel dispensing, loading, and offloading activities immediately.
To prevent electrical fires, the directive commands operators to safely disconnect power to all pumps, dispensers, and canopy lighting. Furthermore, all staff, customers, and vehicles must be evacuated from the premises without delay.
Establishing 100-Meter Safety Perimeters To mitigate the risk of explosions, the NPA has mandated the establishment of a rigid 100-meter safety exclusion zone around any flooded fuel facility. Within this perimeter, the authority has strictly prohibited smoking, naked flames, welding, and any other activity capable of generating a spark.
Operators are also required to instantly alert the nearest NPA Regional Office, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and their respective OMCs about the flooding.
Strict Conditions for Resumption The NPA emphasized that flooded fuel stations cannot simply reopen once the rains stop. Resumption of operations is contingent upon meeting several rigorous safety requirements.
First, floodwaters must have completely receded. Second, the facility must pass a joint safety inspection conducted by the NPA and the GNFS. Third, qualified personnel must officially certify that underground storage tanks, pipelines, and dispensers are safe to operate. Additionally, any water-contaminated fuel or hazardous waste must be safely disposed of in strict accordance with environmental regulations.
The authority issued a stern warning that the sale or distribution of contaminated petroleum products constitutes a severe breach of petroleum regulations and will attract the full weight of the law.
Public Advisory Issued The NPA also directed a strong advisory to the general public, urging motorists and residents to completely avoid flooded fuel stations. Citizens are warned not to enter, drive through, or congregate near these facilities.
The NPA noted that floodwaters surrounding fuel stations are highly likely to be contaminated with petroleum products and other hazardous chemicals. The public is urged to immediately report any fuel leaks, unusual petroleum odors, or visible fuel sheens on floodwaters to the GNFS or the nearest NPA office, while strictly adhering to the instructions of emergency responders on the ground.
