The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has directed all fuel stations affected by recent flooding to immediately suspend operations and implement strict safety measures to prevent fires, explosions, and other potential hazards.
In a public notice issued following heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country, the Authority instructed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers, transporters, and the public to strictly comply with the emergency directives at affected fuel retail outlets.
According to the NPA, fuel stations where floodwaters have inundated the forecourt, tank areas, or entered tank manholes, fill points, or vent pipes must immediately halt all fuel dispensing, loading, and offloading activities until conditions are declared safe.
The Authority also directed operators to safely isolate electrical power by disconnecting fuel dispensers, canopy lighting, pumps, and other forecourt equipment using the main isolation switch, where it is safe to do so.
As part of the safety measures, station operators have been instructed to evacuate all staff, customers, and vehicles from affected facilities and establish a safety exclusion zone of at least 100 metres around the premises.
The NPA further warned that all potential sources of ignition, including smoking, naked flames, welding, and the use of spark-producing equipment, must be prohibited within the exclusion zone to minimise the risk of fire or explosion.
In addition, operators have been directed 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 whenever a fuel station is affected by flooding.
The Authority said the directives form part of efforts to safeguard lives, property, and the environment during the current rainy season and urged all industry players to comply fully with the safety requirements until floodwaters recede and facilities are certified safe for operation.
