Duncan Amoah, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers has indicated that the Trader scheme policy, yet to be launched, is intended to protect the interest of fuel consumers.
According to him, issues of sale of adulterated fuel products by some OMCs will be resolved with the policy.
Also, he disclosed the scheme in partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority will deal with negligence of fuel station attendants.
“What this trusted trader scheme does, is to put in place insurance for the trotro driver and the average Ghanaian user. In case you buy fuel from any of these outlets and there are challenges, the liability doesn’t even go to the outlet. A scheme is in place with an insurance package that says you’ve suffered damages because something wrong was occasioned and so there is compensation already in there for you.
“What that also means is that those stations that sign unto the trader scheme are simply going to be on 24-hour surveillance, so they do not do the wrong thing”.
Duncan Amoah
Complaint by fuel a consumer
Emmanuel Boateng, a sales executive, tells of his car being fed Petrol instead of diesel at a fuel station.
As a result of the mix-up, his car was damaged and had to be fixed. Emmanuel reckons the move by COPEC is timely and could have averted his unfortunate incident.
“It would have been so good, it would have made a huge difference. Because I wasted about GHS400 because I paid the mechanic and the fuel, that is the half-tank that got wasted. It would have made a huge difference and I wouldn’t have wasted that much”.
Users of fuel have been disenfranchised by the actions of several Oil Marketing Companies. The actions of such OMCs still come with no form of compensation for owners and drivers who are affected.
Petroleum industry urged to engage in partnerships
Meanwhile, Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on petroleum industry players in Africa to consider partnerships.
His call follows the protectionists move adopted by some major oil producing countries and the emergence of the global covid-19 pandemic.
According to the Vice President, the establishment of such facilities will help the continent to be self-reliant. Dr. Bawumia reckons when national oil companies may not be able to meet the demand of the continent, it will suffice.
He made the call during a virtual petroleum conference hosted by the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors.
“The outbreak of covid-19 and the further protectionist policies by the major oil producing countries is a wakeup call to all of us in Africa that we should collaborate to build assets- petroleum assets like refineries for the continent.
“Sometimes national oil producing companies could not meet the large volumes. But if we collaborate as sector players, there will be a possibility of supplying to the continent”.
Dr. Bawumia
COPEC requests for quality appointment in energy sector institutions
