NPA Reassures Public of Adequate LPG Supply Amid Disruptions in Western and Central Regions
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has sought to reassure the public that Ghana faces no imminent shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), despite recent disruptions in supply to parts of the country.
In a statement issued on October 9, 2024, the NPA confirmed that current LPG stocks are sufficient to meet nearly two weeks of national consumption, with additional supplies expected later this month.
According to the NPA, the Sentuo Oil Refinery is continuing daily production, bolstering domestic supply. Furthermore, more than 20,000 metric tonnes of LPG are scheduled to arrive between October 21 and 27 under the LPG Tender programme, ensuring continued availability.
This assurance follows concerns about supply shortfalls in the Western and Central Regions, where recent disruptions have been attributed to a power issue at the Ghana National Gas Processing Plant in Atuabo. The plant processes natural gas from which LPG is derived, and the outage significantly affected supply in these areas.
The NPA has since redirected LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) to load supplies from Tema, alleviating some of the pressure. The gas plant is expected to resume regular production by October 15.
The NPA also addressed logistical challenges in Tema, where a boycott by some LPGMCs of the Quantum LPG Terminal and the Tema Multi-Product Terminal has restricted loading capacity at key depots.
This has placed additional pressure on the remaining facilities in the area, limiting daily volumes of LPG available for distribution. Despite these constraints, the authority emphasized that there is no immediate risk to national supply.
The NPA further emphasized its collaboration with relevant stakeholders to prioritize deliveries to affected areas, particularly in the Western Region. Efforts are being made to ensure that any disruption is temporary and that normal service will resume shortly.
“We wish to reassure the public that the country has adequate stocks of LPG, and there is no cause for alarm,” the NPA said in its statement. “The necessary steps are being taken to resolve all supply chain issues, and we remain committed to ensuring the continued availability of LPG nationwide.”
The NPA’s efforts come as part of a broader push to stabilize energy supplies in Ghana, a critical factor for the domestic economy, where LPG is a key fuel source for households and businesses alike.
While the authority’s statement may help calm fears, the recent disruptions highlight the fragility of supply chains in the energy sector, particularly as reliance on domestic gas production increases.
The continued resolution of supply chain bottlenecks, combined with the arrival of new shipments later this month, will be crucial in maintaining confidence in the country’s LPG supply.
The NPA has reiterated that the public should remain calm, as all necessary measures are in place to ensure sustained delivery of the product across the country.
