Possible fuel shortages to hit Ghana next week

There could be fuel shortages in the coming days as tanker drivers across the country begin withdrawal of services starting Monday.

The over 4,000 drivers said they will park their tankers until National Petroleum Authority (NPA) addresses concerns relating to their working conditions and welfare.

By their action, petroleum products cannot be transported to fuel stations.

Chairman of Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, George Nyaunu speaking to Adom News said they are fed up with NPA.

“Enough is enough. We are no longer slaves to deserve this kind of treatment meted out to us. We are putting down our tools to see whether petroleum products will be carried across the country,” he warned.

According to the tanker drivers, what will take place could be the biggest strike ever.

“It will be in the interest of NPA to address our concerns. What will happen on Monday will have a big repercussion on the country?”

Aside condition of service, they accuse NPA of failing to follow a directive from the Energy Ministry in May this year regarding the use of an Energy Commission manual.

“The manual which regulates transportation and delivery of petroleum products is yet to be used causing the drivers to grow apprehensive,” Nyaunu indicated.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, Sunday Alabi said with their situation, government is losing in the area of tax.

“Despite signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year, NPA is not playing its role as a regulator. Transporters (tanker owners) decide how much to pay us and this is even not done through the bank,” Alabi revealed.

He said there seems too selective justice in our operations as NPA is soft on stakeholders who flout rules but extremely hard on drivers who go wrong.