Gov't has no contract with Puma Energy to implement Cylinder Re-circulation policy - NPA

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has denied claims by the Gas Tanker Drivers Association that government has entered into a contract with Puma Energy Ltd to be the sole entity tasked with the supply of gas and cylinders to domestic consumers.

The NPA denied the claim in a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs Unit.

"We wish to categorically state that neither Puma Energy Limited nor any other Company has been issued a license to do cylinder recirculation," statement said.

Puma Energy is a licensed Oil Marketing Company whose primary role is to sell petroleum products to bulk consumers and the general public through retail stations and reselling outlets.

It would be recalled that the Gas Tanker Drivers Association on Monday held a press conference in Tema and accused NPA and Ministry of Energy of seeking to implement a policy, which in their estimation would throw more than 7000 out of jobs.

They claimed the Cylinder Re-circulation Model policy would be rolled out beginning September 1, this year, despite their opposition to the policy.

But the statement indicated that, the policy is in a draft stage, which is yet to be finalized and submitted to cabinet for approval before implementation.

According to the NPA, the ministerial sub-committee led by NPA is currently reviewing the policy and at the same time developing a draft implementation plan.

"The NPA has held two separate meetings with LPG/Oil Marketing Companies to collate their concerns and these have been taken care of in the draft policy implementation plan.

"Further consultations will be held with the said companies and other stakeholders including the Gas Tanker Drivers before the policy is finalized and implemented," the statement added.

Contrary to claims by the drivers that, the implementation of the Cylinder Re-circulation Model policy would kick them out of jobs, the NPA insisted that the policy would seek to maintain the existing jobs, adding that it is also going to create more jobs based on the category of licenses to be created in the implementation plan.

It assured the general public that it is not in the interest of NPA to keep the Gas Tanker Drivers Association out of job as is being speculated.

"As the Regulator of the petroleum downstream industry, we have a responsibility to safeguard the interest of all our service providers as well as consumers", it concluded.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

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