The LPG Marketers Association has called off its industrial action with immediate effect.

According to the association, it has become necessary to call off the strike following government’s decision to take into consideration its demand.

“We the LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana, welcome government’s decision to lift the ban on construction of LPG retail outlets across the country. We are by this statement calling off the industrial action commenced on Monday August 1, 2022 with immediate effect.”
LPG Marketers Association

The Association commended Ghanaians and expressed its gratitude to President Akufo-Addo; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid for reversing the decision which it described as costing the lives of some of its members and millions of cedis. It expressed optimisim that the Ministry of Energy and the NPA will bring all the regulatory bodies on board to ensure to the smooth implementation of the directive from Cabinet.

“This resolution is without prejudice to our concerns about NPA’s communication on the lifting of the ban as we are particularly worried about the lack of the details in the statement.”
LPG Marketers Association

Cabinet lifts ban on construction of LPG outlets

On August 3, 2022, cabinet lifted its ban on the construction of LPG outlets across the country. Contained in a statement signed by the Chief Executive of the NPA, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and addressed to the Chairman of the LPG Marketers Association, it revealed that the decision was to help relieve the burden imposed on the members of the association and consumers alike.

The NPA therefore requested all OMCs and LPG Marketing Companies who were affected by the directive to resubmit their applications to the Authority.

“We are pleased to inform you that Cabinet at its 35th Sitting, held on August 3rd 2022, has granted a special dispensation to allow the completion of the construction of stranded LPG stations across the country, that were affected by the ban on the construction and operation of new LPG facilities in 2017.”
Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid

It will be recalled that the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Marketers Association of Ghana, the Ghana LPG Operators Association of Ghana and the Tanker Drivers Association of Ghana declared an industrial strike action on Monday August 1, 2022.

The striking groups raised a number of issues, including the shutdown of some stations as a result of the Atomic Junction gas explosion five years ago. Owing to this, they requested government to immediately lift the ban.

According to them, government’s refusal to re-open some gas stations that were closed after the 2017 gas explosion has affected its members hence the need to embark on the strike.

Commenting on the issue, the Vice-Chairman of the Association, Gabriel Kumi, revealed that they had to embark on the strike action because their financial situation had become dire. He explained that the association had to take the action because some of the collaterals used by members to secure facilities were being attacked by the banks.