News Guide Africa

Tag: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

  • Ghana nears 50% clean cooking threshold as NPA launches nationwide safety blitz

    Ghana nears 50% clean cooking threshold as NPA launches nationwide safety blitz

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Energy Ministry reports 43% LPG penetration as regulatory chief demands a “tripartite covenant” between industry, consumers, and communities to avert domestic disasters.

    Ghana’s ambitious drive to transition half of its population to clean cooking energy by the turn of the decade is rapidly closing in on its target.

    With national Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) penetration hitting an unprecedented 43%, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has declared a massive, nationwide public safety campaign to ensure that the country’s rapid energy evolution does not come at the cost of human lives.

    Speaking on Monday, June 8, 2026, during the local commemoration of World LPG Day in Accra, NPA Chief Executive Godwin Edudzi Tameklo reaffirmed the government’s unequivocal pledge to secure 50% LPG access for Ghanaian households by 2030. Addressing stakeholders under the theme “LPG: Pass It Forward,” Tameklo credited aggressive policy execution, massive private sector investments in storage infrastructure, and the expansion of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) for positioning the nation to potentially eclipse its original forecasts.

    “At the National Petroleum Authority, we remain steadfast in our mandate to regulate, monitor, and ensure the safe distribution and use of petroleum products, including LPG,” Tameklo stated.

     

    A Tripartite Covenant for Safety

    Despite the optimistic growth projections, the NPA boss issued a stern reminder that aggressive expansion must be matched by uncompromising safety protocols. Regulation alone, he cautioned, is insufficient armor against the inherent risks of petroleum products.

    According to Tameklo, true safety requires a “tripartite covenant” built upon three critical pillars:

    1. Industry compliance

    2. Consumer vigilance

    3. Community awareness

    He urged citizens to adopt what he described as “simple, yet life-saving measures,” which include checking for leaks routinely, using only certified cylinders and accessories, ensuring proper storage and ventilation, and adhering to regular maintenance.

    But the mandate, he insisted, must transcend executive rhetoric.

    “These safety practices must be passed forward into every household and business across Ghana,” Tameklo told the gathering of industry stakeholders, policymakers, and media personnel.

    Mobilizing a Nationwide Safety Campaign

    To operationalize this vision, the NPA chief announced that the authority will spearhead a massive, cascade of nationwide interventions before the end of 2026. Working in close collaboration with key stakeholders, the NPA plans to deploy:

    Nationwide public education campaigns

    Targeted community outreach programmes

    Strategic partnerships with national media houses

    Sensitization initiatives tailored for schools and open markets

    Direct engagement frameworks with LPG marketers and distributors

    “Our goal is clear: to build a culture of safety consciousness around LPG use in Ghana,” Tameklo asserted. “Let us all commit today to being champions of LPG safety.”

     

    The Chief Executive concluded with a direct call to action for all sectors of Ghanaian society, mapping out specific responsibilities to ensure zero casualties as LPG usage climbs.

     

    “If you are an LPG marketer: uphold the highest safety standards. If you are a consumer: practice and promote safe usage. If you are a community leader: amplify awareness. If you are a member of the media: continue to educate and inform,” he pleaded.

     

    Within Striking Distance of 2030 Goals

    The NPA’s renewed push comes on the heels of encouraging data from the Ministry of Energy. Energy Minister Jinapor confirmed that national LPG penetration has officially climbed to an estimated 43%.

     

    With a 7% margin left to bridge over the next four years, industry experts agree that the 50% threshold by 2030 is highly achievable. However, as the nation transitions rapidly from traditional biomass like charcoal to cleaner burning LPG, the NPA’s upcoming safety campaigns will likely dictate whether this energy transition is remembered as a triumph of modern infrastructure or a trial of public safety.

     

  • NPA intensify LPG awareness and consumer protection at Easter festivities

    NPA intensify LPG awareness and consumer protection at Easter festivities

    By Baraka Amidu

    As thousands of revellers and business owners descended upon the Kwahu Ridge for the 2026 Easter celebrations, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) intensified its efforts to ensure public safety through a comprehensive education and sensitisation campaign.

    The initiative, aimed at curbing domestic and commercial accidents related to petroleum products, saw the Authority engaging extensively with patrons, food vendors, and local stakeholders across major event hubs, including Mpraeso, Abetifi, and Nkwatia.

    Focus on ‘Cooking It Right’

    A centerpiece of this year’s outreach was the NPA’s partnership with the Nkoko Akɛseɛ (Chicken Festival) initiative. The Authority used the platform to promote its “Cook it Right” campaign, emphasizing the safe handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) during high-intensity cooking periods.

    Mrs. Eunice Budu-Nyarko, the NPA’s Director of Consumer Services, who led the delegation, reiterated that the Authority’s presence at large national gatherings is vital for protecting lives and property.

    “Our commitment is to empower the consumer with knowledge. By teaching vendors and households the practicalities of LPG safety and how to resolve complaints, we are building a more resilient and safer downstream sector,” she noted.

    Local Support and Industrial Synergy

    The initiative received high praise from the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwahu South, Hon. Effah Osei Bonsu. Commending the NPA’s Chief Executive, Godwin Kudzo Edudzi Tameklo, the MCE described the intervention as timely and essential for the growth of local enterprises.

    He further urged the NPA to continue bridging the gap between energy regulation and local industry, noting that safe energy practices are the backbone of the region’s thriving food and hospitality sector.

    Protecting the Value Chain

    The campaign also touched on broader economic safety issues. The NPA team educated consumers on the dangers of fuel siphoning and the importance of prioritizing fuel quality over quantity at the pumps.

    Supporting the drive, Kelvin Ocran, National Coordinator of the National Broiler Project Directorate, highlighted the link between energy and food security. He explained that transitioning from traditional biomass, like charcoal, to LPG is not just about efficiency but also about improving public health outcomes and hygiene within the poultry value chain.

    Regulatory Oversight

    The NPA’s activities at the Kwahu Business Forum and the Food Village served as a reminder of its mandate under the NPA Act 2005 (Act 691). Beyond regulation, the Authority’s hands-on approach this Easter demonstrated a coordinated effort to link energy access with market education, ensuring that the “Kwahu Easter” remains synonymous not just with celebration, but with safety and standards.

    As the festivities concluded, the NPA reaffirmed its dedication to continuous public sensitization, promising to maintain its presence at major economic and cultural events across the country.

     

     

     

  • LPG crisis looms as COMAC threatens to halt Atuabo deliveries over price disparity

    LPG crisis looms as COMAC threatens to halt Atuabo deliveries over price disparity

    The Chamber of LPG Marketing Companies (COMAC) has issued a stern warning to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and government officials, stating it may suspend Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) deliveries from the Atuabo plant unless an urgent price gap is addressed.

    The chamber is demanding immediate intervention to resolve a nearly GH¢1.00 per kilogram price difference between Atuabo-based supplies and those from Tema-based suppliers.

    In a formal petition directed to the NPA, the Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Dr. Riverson Oppong, revealed that Sage Petroleum in Atuabo is currently retailing LPG at GH¢12.65/kg. This figure stands in sharp contrast to Tema-based competitors such as Alpha, Matrix, and FuelTrade, all of whom are selling at approximately GH¢11.65/kg to GH¢11.66/kg.

    Dr. Oppong described the price gap as a “structural disadvantage” that is rapidly eroding the business viability of marketers operating within the Atuabo zone.

    “This is not a marginal difference,” the letter stated. “Continuing to absorb these losses is no longer sustainable. Trucks may be grounded, and deliveries suspended after the holiday period if no action is taken.”

    Proposed solutions

    To avert a potential shortage and protect the interests of marketing companies, COMAC has proposed two primary paths forward for the regulator:

    Price Alignment: Direct Sage Petroleum to align its pricing with the rates offered by Tema-based suppliers to ensure a level playing field.

    Zonal Flexibility: Should Sage Petroleum refuse to adjust its prices, COMAC requests that the NPA lift current “zonalization” restrictions. This would allow marketers within the Atuabo zone to bypass local supply and load cheaper LPG from Tema.

    Regulatory pressure

    The petition emphasizes that immediate regulatory action is required to maintain market fairness and preserve the integrity of the national LPG supply chain. COMAC argues that the current system unfairly burdens Atuabo-zone marketers, who are forced to buy at higher rates while trying to remain competitive at the pumps.

    The letter was also copied to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ghana National Gas Company Limited, and the leadership of various Oil and LPG Marketing Companies.

    As of early April, the NPA has yet to issue a definitive response, leaving the Atuabo LPG market in a state of uncertainty as the holiday period concluded.

     

     

     

     

  • First phase of petroleum hub project to begin soon as US$12bn funding secured.

    Petroleum Gas

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The first phase of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), aimed at providing a significant boost to local employment and value for the economy, is set to begin soon as US$12 billion in funding is being secured..

    The Corporation which is private led initiative is targeting to increase Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product by 70 percent by 2036. This is expected to generate substantial tax revenue while supporting the country’s vision of economic self-sufficiency and industrialization.

    PHDC officially signed a US$12 billion agreement with TCP-UIC Consortium last week. The Consortium comprises of Touchstone Capital Group Holdings Ltd., UIC Energy Ghana Ltd., China Wuhan Engineering Co. Ltd., and China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co. Ltd.

    “This project is a testament to our commitment to industrializing Ghana and creating sustainable jobs for our people”, the Minister of Energy Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said during the signing ceremony.

    The CEO of PHDC, Charles Owusu, expressed optimism about the collaboration with TCP-UIC Consortium, highlighting their expertise and crucial role in the project’s success.

    The ‘Petroleum Hub,’ covering over 20,000 acres of land in the Jomoro Municipal Area in the Western Region, is a multi-phased US$60 billion investment in all, aimed at revolutionizing Ghana’s energy sector and dramatically boosting its economy.

    The key infrastructure includes three refineries, five petrochemical plants, 10 million cubic metre storage facilities, jetties and port infrastructure. The first phase of the project, a cornerstone of Ghana’s industrialization strategy, will focus on establishing some of this critical infrastructure.

    With a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), the first refinery will significantly enhance Ghana’s ability to process crude oil domestically.

    The first petrochemical plant will convert petroleum byproducts into valuable chemicals used in various industries, ranging from plastics to fertilizers.

    Also, construction of storage tanks with a capacity of 3 million cubic meters will be done to ensure a steady supply and efficient distribution of petroleum products.

    There is also plan to develop an oil jetty and port infrastructure to facilitate seamless import and export activities.

    Ancillary Infrastructure planned: Include pipelines, power plants, and a cutting-edge laboratory for product testing.

    The hub’s strategic location is poised to make Ghana a pivotal player in the West African petroleum market. The hub will leverage Ghana’s stable political climate, strategic geographic position, and attractive investment incentives to draw further investments and foster economic growth.

    The Petroleum Hub Project will be developed in three phases over the next 12 years.

    After the completion of the first phase, subsequent phases will see the addition of more refineries, petrochemical plants, storage tanks, jetties and port infrastructure and will develop additional support facilities, including Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminals.

    The signing of the agreements underpinning the first phase is a significant step towards realizing the full potential of Ghana’s petroleum sector.

    The PHDC remains committed to ensuring that this project drives sustainable economic growth and brings long-term prosperity to the people of Ghana.

  • Consumers of LPG to enjoy 5% fall in prices

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is expected to fall by 5 percent within the first half of this month, the Institute for Energy Security has projected.

     

    Within same period prices of petrol and diesel are expected to remain the same.

     

    The IES puts it down to the Ghana cedi’s strong performance on the domestic forex market in the last two weeks, and the drop in the price of LPG on the international market, even though international prices of the liquid products shot up.

     

    “The Institute for Energy Security’s review of prices over the past two weeks as monitored by Global Standard & Poor (S&P) platform indicate the prices of Gasoline [petrol] and Gasoil [diesel] have increased at 4.20% and 2.70%, respectively, whereas Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) decreased by 5.80%”.

     

    “The Ghana cedi also gained 5.42% against the U.S dollar over the two weeks trading period on domestic forex market,” it added.

     

    On the local market, the IES said the ex-pump prices as it has observed in the second pricing window for May 2023, fell at an average 3% for both petrol and diesel, with most oil marketing companies (OMCs) selling the two products at the same price in the window.

     

    The IES said its monitoring of various OMCs during the pricing window under review finds the national average price per litre for petrol and diesel at GH¢11.90 and LPG at about ¢13 per kilogramme.

     

    On the world market, the IES said the price of Brent crude oil continued trading below US$80 per barrel in the last two weeks.

     

    The average price per barrel over the window traded at about US$75.90 per barrel.

     

    Meanwhile, some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have started increasing prices of petroleum products at the pumps.

     

    Goil has taken the lead, selling at litre of diesel and petrol at ¢12.45 from its previous price of ¢12.30 a litre.

     

    The increase is in line with the biweekly review of prices at the pumps.

     

    The latest increase, according to some stakeholders is due to the cedi’s performance and the price of crude oil on the international market.

     

    It is expected that more OMCs will also adjust prices of petroleum products upward later today, June 1, 2023.

     

    Apparently, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) has projected a marginal decline in the prices of fuel in the first pricing window of June 2023.

     

    COPEC attributes this projection to the relative stability of the forex rates although the international market benchmark prices of crude oil haven’t been that favorable.

     

    The Chamber is further predicting that the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is expected to decline by roughly 5% during the same period.

     

    Duncan Amoah, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC), said in an interview last week, “the first pricing window for June looks relatively stable although per our figures some OMCs may decline marginally on current pump prices”.

     

    “This informed by a relative stability of some relative gains the cedi would have made within the period. International market benchmarks have not been good as witnessed in the past window,” he added.

     

    As of May 29, 2023, the price of gasoline in Ghana stood at 13.2 Ghanaian cedis (GHS) per liter, corresponding to roughly 1.19 U.S. dollar.

     

    This decreased from the prices in December 2022 but considerably increased compared to most of the previous weeks observed.

     

    Since January 3, 2022, the price of gasoline in Ghana has increased by over 91 percent.

     

    At some OMCs both petrol and diesel were selling at GHS 12.30 as at May 29, 2023.