LPG operators to strike May 7

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail outlets in the Ashanti region have hinted on suspension of their operations on Monday, 7 May 2018.

The planned strike forms part of their actions to kick against the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) of LPG distribution implementation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo on the advice of cabinet on 12 October 2017, directed for the model to be implemented as part of measures to ensure that the nation does not experience any more gas explosions after public outcry in the wake of the massive explosion at an LPG filling station at Atomic Junction in Accra.

The model if implemented, will ensure that LPG Bottling Plants will be sited away from congested commercial and population centers and will procure, brand, maintain and fill empty cylinders to be distributed to consumers and households through retail outlets.

Low-risk gas stations will be designated for the supply of gas to vehicles.

This, the Ghana LPG Operators Association (GLiPGOA) believes will lead to job losses and other negative implications on their business.

Adehye FM's Elisha Adarkwah reported that the Ashanti regional branch of the Association held a meeting on Thursday, 3 May 2018, and reached a consensus to vent their anger and declare the planned action against the model's implementation on Monday, 7 May 2018.

During the May Day celebration held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, GLiPGOA members displayed placards with inscriptions such as ‘Mr President, don't rush CRM’,‘Mr President, Ghanaians are not ready for CRM’, ‘We can’t pay more for gas because of CRM’, ‘CRM will sell our gas sovereignty to the white man’.

Mr Philip Kanbanuori, an executive member of the Association at the May Day celebration said that the model will not help locals but foreigners. He said the model implementation will take jobs from the locals to the foreigners. he also noted that there will be a hike in the price of gas.

Mr Kanbanouri noted that the model will not bring any safety measures but will rather compromise and worsen the situation since LPG big bottling plants are going to be installed.

He, therefore, called on government to allow them to operate.