NPA issues mandatory safety measures for flooded fuel stations

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has directed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, petroleum dealers and transporters to immediately implement stringent safety measures at fuel stations affected by flooding, warning that any breach of the directive will attract severe regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.

The emergency directive follows widespread flooding triggered by recent heavy rains across parts of Ghana, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, where several communities and critical infrastructure have been inundated.

According to the NPA, the flooding has significantly increased the risk of fuel contamination, fire outbreaks, explosions and environmental pollution, making it necessary for operators to suspend activities at affected facilities until they are declared safe.

In a public notice issued by the Authority, operators of fuel stations impacted by floodwaters have been instructed to immediately halt all fuel dispensing, loading and offloading operations where water has entered the forecourt, underground fuel storage areas or tank installations.

The regulator stressed that no petroleum products should be sold or transferred from facilities that have been compromised by flooding.

The directive is intended to minimise the risk of accidents, protect lives and prevent contaminated petroleum products from reaching consumers.

The NPA further instructed operators to disconnect electrical power to fuel pumps, dispensers, canopy lighting and all other electrical equipment within affected stations, provided it is safe to do so.

Operators have also been directed to evacuate all staff, customers and vehicles from flooded facilities immediately while establishing a safety exclusion zone extending at least 100 metres around affected stations.

The Authority warned that only authorised emergency personnel should be allowed within the restricted area until the site has been declared safe.

As part of the emergency safety measures, the NPA has prohibited smoking, naked flames, welding activities and any operation capable of generating sparks within the designated exclusion zones.

The Authority noted that petroleum vapours released during flooding can significantly increase the risk of explosions and fires, making strict adherence to safety protocols essential.

The regulator has instructed all affected operators to immediately notify the nearest NPA Regional Office, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and their respective Oil Marketing Companies after any flooding incident.

The agencies will coordinate emergency response efforts, assess potential environmental risks and supervise recovery operations before affected stations are allowed to reopen.

According to the NPA, no flood-affected fuel station will be permitted to resume operations until it satisfies a comprehensive safety assessment.

Before reopening, operators must ensure:

• Floodwaters have completely receded.
• A joint inspection has been conducted by the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service.
• Qualified technical personnel have certified that underground storage tanks, pipelines, fuel dispensers and associated equipment remain structurally safe.
• Any contaminated fuel, wastewater or hazardous petroleum waste has been safely removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental protection regulations.

The Authority emphasised that the sale or distribution of contaminated petroleum products constitutes a serious violation of Ghana's petroleum regulations and could result in licence suspension, financial penalties or criminal prosecution.

The NPA has also issued a public safety advisory urging motorists and residents to avoid entering, driving through or gathering around flooded fuel stations.

It warned that floodwaters around petroleum facilities may contain leaked fuel and other hazardous substances capable of causing serious health and environmental risks.

Members of the public have been advised not to touch floodwater near affected stations and to immediately report any fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible oil sheens on floodwaters or other dangerous conditions to the Ghana National Fire Service or the nearest NPA office.

The Authority further urged the public to cooperate fully with emergency responders and strictly observe all safety instructions as authorities continue efforts to minimise the risks associated with flooding.