PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION, GHANA

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NPA Orders Closure of Flooded Fuel Stations Over Safety Risks

July 1, 2026

Accra, Ghana – The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has introduced stringent safety measures requiring fuel stations affected by flooding to immediately suspend operations until they are declared safe for use. The directive follows recent heavy rains that have caused flooding in parts of the country, raising concerns about fuel contamination, fire outbreaks, explosions, and environmental pollution.

According to the Authority, all fuel dispensing, loading, and offloading activities must cease immediately where floodwaters have entered fuel station forecourts, storage areas, tank manholes, fill points, or vent pipes. The move is intended to reduce risks associated with petroleum products in flood-prone areas.

Immediate Safety Measures

The NPA has directed operators of affected fuel stations to implement several emergency measures, including:

  • Suspension of all fuel sales and transfer activities.
  • Disconnection of electrical power to pumps, dispensers, canopy lighting, and other forecourt equipment where it is safe to do so.
  • Evacuation of staff, customers, and vehicles from affected premises.
  • Establishment of a safety exclusion zone of at least 100 metres around flooded facilities.
  • Elimination of all potential ignition sources, including smoking, naked flames, welding, and spark-producing equipment.

These measures are aimed at preventing accidents and safeguarding public safety during flood events.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

The Authority has also instructed fuel station operators to immediately notify the relevant regulatory and emergency response agencies whenever flooding affects their facilities.

These agencies include:

  • National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
  • Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Relevant Oil Marketing Company (OMC)

Prompt reporting will facilitate coordinated emergency response and safety assessments.

Conditions for Reopening

The NPA emphasised that affected fuel stations will not be permitted to resume operations until all safety requirements have been met.

Before reopening, operators must ensure that:

  • Floodwaters have completely receded.
  • Joint safety inspections have been conducted by the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service.
  • Underground storage tanks, pipelines, fuel dispensers, and associated equipment have been inspected and certified safe.
  • Any contaminated fuel or hazardous waste has been 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 could attract severe sanctions.

Public Advisory

The NPA has urged motorists and residents to avoid entering, driving through, or gathering around flooded fuel stations. Members of the public have also been advised to stay away from floodwaters around such facilities, as they may contain petroleum products and other hazardous substances.

Citizens are encouraged to report any fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible fuel contamination, or other unsafe conditions to the appropriate authorities.

Outlook

The latest directive highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols during periods of severe weather. By enforcing precautionary measures and temporary operational suspensions, the NPA aims to minimise risks to public health, protect the environment, and ensure the safe operation of fuel facilities nationwide.