The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has directed all fuel stations affected by flooding to immediately suspend fuel dispensing, loading, and offloading where floodwater has inundated the forecourt, tank area, or entered tank manholes, fill points, or vent pipes.
A statement released on Monday, June 29, said operators must isolate electrical power, evacuate staff and customers, establish a safety exclusion zone, eliminate ignition sources, and notify the NPA, Ghana National Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and their Oil Marketing Company.
"In view of the recent heavy rainfall and flooding experienced in parts of the country, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) directs all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers, transporters, and the general public to strictly adhere to the following safety measures at all fuel retail outlets affected by flooding," the statement said.
It said operations can only resume after floodwaters recede, joint safety inspections are completed, equipment is certified safe, and contaminated fuel or waste is properly removed.
The public is advised to stay away from flooded fuel stations and report any fuel leaks or unsafe conditions.
The NPA warns that violations, including selling contaminated fuel or reopening without clearance, will attract severe sanctions.
Below are directives to affected fuel station operators
All operators of fuel retail outlets affected by flooding shall immediately implement the following measures:
Suspend Operations: Immediately cease all fuel dispensing, loading, and offloading activities where floodwater has inundated the forecourt, tank area, or entered tank manholes, fill points, or vent pipes.
Isolate Electrical Power: Safely disconnect electrical power to fuel dispensers, canopy lighting, pumps, and all forecourt equipment using the main isolation switch, where it is safe to do so.
Evacuate the Premises: Remove all staff, customers, and vehicles from the station and establish a safety exclusion zone (Preferably of not less than 100 metres around the affected facility).
Eliminate Ignition Sources: Prohibit smoking, naked flames, welding, the use of spark-producing equipment, and any other activity capable of igniting flammable vapours within the exclusion zone.
Notify the Appropriate Authorities: Report the incident immediately to the nearest NPA Regional Office, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the respective Oil Marketing Company.
