NPA Threatens Closure of Unlicensed Fuel Stations to Enforce Compliance
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned fuel stations operating without the legally required licenses that they risk immediate closure and possible decommissioning.
In a statement, the downstream regulator stressed its statutory mandate under the National Petroleum Authority Act, 2005 (Act 691), as amended, to oversee all commercial activities relating to the storage, distribution, and sale of petroleum products. The move is aimed at curbing illicit operations and reinforcing regulatory compliance across the sector.
Citing Section 11 of the Act, the NPA reiterated that no individual or entity may engage in petroleum downstream activities including importation, exportation, shipment, processing, refining, storage, distribution, marketing, and sale of petroleum products without a license granted by the Authority’s Board.
The regulator also underscored that under Section 12, only Ghanaians or foreign companies in registered joint ventures with Ghanaian partners, in line with local content and participation requirements, are eligible for licenses. Licensed operators must also display their permits prominently at their premises.
The NPA maintained that strict enforcement of licensing provisions is critical to ensuring safety, protecting consumers, and safeguarding confidence in Ghana’s regulated petroleum supply chain, particularly amid rising energy demand and market expansion.
