NPA Tracks Fuel Tankers

Dr. King addressing the dealers

Dr. King addressing the dealers



Dr. King addressing the dealers
In an attempt to reduce the diversion of fuel products from filling depots by tanker drivers, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is reportedly installing vehicle tracking devices on all fuel tankers.

The project, which is expected to be fully operational soon, is aimed at preventing the abuse of the United Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) detecting tankers that veer off approved routes, stop at unapproved places and discharge at unapproved places.

Selorm Tettey-Ouaped, Head of Technical/Maintenance at Star Oil Company Limited, who disclosed this at a meeting with customers of the company recently in Accra, said tanker drivers who would be found culpable for the first time could be made to pay GH¢5,000, charged GH¢30,000 on the second offence and have their licences suspended after the third time.

In the case of Star Oil, he commented: ‘The company’s position has always been to protect its customers and to stay within the laws of the industry. In line with this, Star Oil shall not compromise on anything that puts its customers and brand at risk.’

He said the State lost over GH¢50 million last year as a result of such activities after the NPA monitored some 2,700 fuel filling stations.

Phillip Tieku, Financial Controller of Star Oil, appealed to customers of Star Oil who were indebted to the company to pay their debts.

‘Last year alone, we paid GH¢1.5 million as interest to our bankers. If this situation continues, Star Oil will not be in profitable business. While some of our customers owe Star Oil in excess of GH ¢1 million, our bankers demand so much from us in order to give us a loan of GH¢1 million.’

On March 11, this year, NPA introduced the Petroleum Pricing Marking Scheme (PPMS) to check tanker drivers who adulterate fuel products for personal gains.

First time offenders would be made to pay GH¢20,000 while on the second offence, their licence will be withdrawn.

About 32 percent of fuel sold on the market were found to have been adulterated.

Dr Liberty King, Operations & Administrative Director of Star Oil, in a comment, urged customers and staff of Star Oil to conform to the new rules of the NPA.

By Samuel Boadi and Frank Muzzu
 
 

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