The Energy Ministry says it has released 34 million litres of diesel for onward distribution to filling stations across the country in an attempt to minimise the current fuel shortage.
Deputy Energy Minister, Emmanuel Dagadu told Citi News the Bulk Oil Distributing Companies released the product after a discussion with the Ministry.
“As I am speak to you there is 34 million litres of diesel being pumped into the system from Tema , which will enough for one week,’’ he revealed.
There have been reports of diesel shortage in parts of the Ashanti, Western, Volta and Northern regions of Ghana for since last week.
Citi News checks on Monday that there was an acute shortage of diesel in some parts of the country. Ther situation has reportedly led to desperate consumers queuing for the product.
About two months ago, Ghana was hit with a severe shortage of petroleum products due to government’s indebtedness to the BDCs.
But Mr. Dagadu mentioned that the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) that serve ‘’a lot of areas’’ will receive supply first for distribution to the depots in Kumasi and the northern belt areas.
‘’And the rest in Greater Accra, Central region and other areas; we also have for the mines 10.6 million liters …,’’ he added.
Meanwhile the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distribution Companies has denied reports that it imports inferior fuel unto the Ghanaian market.
The Chronicle newspaper on Monday suggested the products imported by the BDCs are considered low quality and sold at cheaper prices in their home markets.
The newspaper further stated that the Tema Oil Refinery’s laboratory has consistently rejected the products supplied by the BDCs because they fall below the acceptable octane level.
But the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the chamber, Senyo Horsi in a sharp rebuttal on Citi Prime News said: ‘’the [accusation] is absolutely false; there is no truth whatsoever to that’’.
According to him before products come to Ghana, they are tested and validated before it goes on the market. “Products cannot be allowed to enter [Ghana] if they are sub-standard,’’ he stated.
He also described the report of the Chronicle newspaper as “unfortunate distractions”.
By: Evans Effah/citifmonline.com/Ghana