Following the gas explosion at Atomic Junction in 2017, the government made the implementation of the LPG Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) a top priority. A key challenge has been finding ways to implement this capital-intensive policy while ensuring that LPG remains affordable for the average household.
Under the CRM, customers are no longer required to purchase gas cylinders, as they do not own them. Instead, cylinders of various sizes are already filled with LPG, and customers exchange their empty cylinders for filled ones.
Led by Dr. Mustapha Hamid, the NPA management has introduced an international tender for LPG importation. This tendering process has introduced competition in the pricing of LPG, and consumers can expect to see a gradual reduction in LPG price in the coming months.
There is an urgent need to examine and reform the petroleum downstream value chain. With private sector participation in this sector for over 15 years, it is crucial to assess progress and plan for the future.
Ghana now boasts of private refineries, and if the government can establish a roadmap for the Tema Oil Refinery, we can have comprehensive discussions about our fuel security and affordability in the coming years.
I would like to congratulate the management of NPA for their innovative initiative, which will positively impact the lives of Ghanaians.
Kwadwo N. Poku
Executive Director (INSTEPR)