NPA ‘sabotages’ LPG operators strike; urges Ghanaians to use electricity

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has punched heavily into the strike action by LPG retailers as the latter have begun their strike to protest government’s decision to implement the cylinder recirculation module.

According to NPA, the decision by government not to heed to the demands of LPG marketers and retailers is motivated by government’s desire to prioritise consumers’ health, safety and security over any and all considerations.

A statement issued by NPA has it that, Torgbui Adaku, President of the LPG Operators Association has made this strike a war between consumer’s safety and their profit, a situation the NPA believes compromises safety and security.

The statement further listed LPG outlets that are still operational despite the nationwide strike.

“LPGMCs are not part of the strike. They are still committee members of the Implementation Committee. LPG Tanker Drivers Union are also not part of the strike and therefore standing in readiness to load all orders placed by LPGMCs. All Goil LPG stations across the country are not part of the strike. All Hills Oil (market leader) LPG stations across the country are also not part of the strike.”

NPA also urged LPG consumers to resort to using electricity while the full implementation of the Cylinder Re-circulation Module takes its course.

“Ghanaians are encouraged to consider resorting to other substitutes to LPG in the meantime pending the full implementation of the CRM. Electricity tariffs have been reduced by government and that should create an incentive to switch to electricity,” the statement further read.

MEDIA STATEMENT

REJOINDER: GLiPGOA STRIKE.

Further to a statement by Government last Friday on the declared nationwide strike by Ghana Liquiefied Petroleum Gas Operators Association (GLIPGOA), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) wishes to inform members of the public on the following:

1. LPGMCs are not part of the strike. They are still committee members of the Implementation Committee.

2. LPG Tanker Drivers Union are also not part of the strike and therefore standing in readiness to load all orders placed by LPGMCs.

3. All Goil LPG stations across the country are not part of the strike.

4. All Hills Oil (market leader) LPG stations across the country are also not part of the strike.

5. Consumers must note that the government will prioritise their health, safety and security over any and all considerations and accordingly they are to bear with the situation and look out for the stations that are still in operations. In solidarity with the policy.

6. Torgbui Adaku and his group have made this strike a war between their safety and their profit and we find it easier to err on the side of safety and security.

7. Torgbui Adaku has been a member of the implementation committee and has not hidden his abhorrence for a policy that seeks to place safety and security above his profit motive but he has consistently taken his sitting allowances. Infact, he’s current on all his allowances. We will push this going forward.

8. Ghanaians are encouraged to consider resorting to other substitutes to LPG in the meantime pending the full implementation of the CRM. Electricity tariffs have been reduced by government and that should create an incentive to switch to electricity.

In the meantime, the public will be informed of areas where they can locate stations that stand in solidarity with their health, safety and security and continue to provide their services

Much as we are not going to interfere with the strike action, we want to serve notice that members of GLIGPOA should resist the temptation to stop those who have seen the blackmail and therefore not supportive of the strike from carrying on their legitimate business. The security agencies will deal ruthlessly with such groups and individuals who try to stop others.

Signed

Corporate Affairs Division