The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has directed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers and fuel transporters to immediately implement strict safety protocols at fuel stations affected by flooding, warning that failure to comply could result in regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
The directive follows recent heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country, which have heightened concerns about the risks of fuel contamination, fire outbreaks, explosions and environmental pollution.
In a public notice, the Authority ordered operators to immediately halt all fuel dispensing, loading and offloading activities at any station where floodwaters have inundated the forecourt, tank areas or underground fuel storage facilities.
The NPA also instructed operators to disconnect power supply to fuel pumps, dispensers, canopy lighting and other electrical installations, where it is safe to do so, and to evacuate all staff, customers and vehicles from affected premises.
As part of the emergency response, operators have been directed to establish a safety exclusion zone of at least 100 metres around flooded facilities.
Within the designated area, the Authority has prohibited smoking, the use of naked flames, welding and any activity capable of generating sparks that could ignite petroleum products.
The regulator further instructed operators to promptly notify the nearest NPA Regional Office, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their respective Oil Marketing Companies of any flood related incident.
The NPA emphasised that no flooded fuel station will be allowed to resume operations until all safety requirements have been satisfied.
According to the Authority, operations can only restart after floodwaters have completely receded, a joint safety inspection has been conducted by the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service, and qualified technical personnel have certified that underground storage tanks, pipelines, fuel dispensers and related infrastructure are safe for use.
Operators must also ensure that contaminated fuel and hazardous waste are properly removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
The Authority warned that the sale or distribution of contaminated petroleum products constitutes a violation of petroleum regulations and will attract severe sanctions.
The NPA also appealed to the public to avoid flooded fuel stations and refrain from driving through or gathering around affected facilities.
It cautioned that floodwaters around fuel stations may be contaminated with petroleum products and other hazardous substances, posing serious health and safety risks.
Members of the public have been urged to immediately report fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible fuel sheens on floodwaters or any other dangerous conditions to the Ghana National Fire Service or the nearest NPA office and to comply with all instructions issued by emergency response personnel.
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