Energy Ministry, NPA move to safeguard investments in LPG supply chain amidst CRM implementation

Source: energynewsafrica.com

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, together with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has indicated that it is exploring ways to ensure that the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) introduced by the previous administration does not lead to wastage of existing investments in LPG refuelling stations.

The Chief Executive of the NPA, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., said the intention is to maintain both the CRM and the current LPG refill system concurrently.

“It is wrong to use policies to collapse people’s investments. When people invest, we can’t use a policy to destroy their investment,” he said.

Mr. Tameklo made these remarks on Tuesday at the launch of the NPA 2025 Consumer Week Celebration at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

The event, which was preceded by LPG safety awareness durbars in Maamobi and Teshie, as well as market engagements in Ashaiman, was held under the theme: “LPG: A Sustainable Energy for a Better Tomorrow.”

Participants—including industry players, opinion leaders, market women, traders, transport operators, and students—were treated to performances by Stonebwoy and Nacee.

The week-long celebration aims to sensitize the public on the benefits of using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the implementation of the CRM, and the Authority’s role in protecting consumer interests within the petroleum downstream sector.

The NPA Boss noted that LPG forms a key part of Ghana’s sustainable future, stressing that by choosing LPG over charcoal and firewood, “we protect the forests, reduce pollution, and improve public health.”

“Through the CRM, the NPA ensures that all cylinders are safely filled, inspected, and distributed through licensed bottling plants. Our goal is to make LPG the preferred energy choice for every Ghanaian household,” he said.

Mr. Tameklo added that the NPA envisions a downstream petroleum industry that is innovative, efficient, and sustainable.

“Since assuming office as Chief Executive of the NPA, I have emphasized the importance of affordability, quality, and reliability in the supply of petroleum products to Ghanaians. Our commitment remains to ensure fair pricing and strict adherence to industry standards, in alignment with the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to reset and transform the sector while rolling out the 24-hour economy,” he said.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Richard Gyan-Mensah, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the sector Minister, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, stated that LPG has emerged as one of the most viable transitional fuels, serving as a bridge between dependence on traditional biomass (charcoal and firewood) and the cleaner, modern energy systems the country seeks to develop.

“LPG is not just a cooking fuel; it is a health intervention, an environmental safeguard, and a driver of economic empowerment. Compared to charcoal or firewood, LPG produces up to 60 percent fewer carbon emissions, significantly improving indoor air quality while helping to reduce deforestation,” he said.

For his part, the Chairman of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Mr. Gabriel Kumi, said the Chamber is not opposed to the introduction of the CRM but rather to the mode of implementation that threatens existing investments in the LPG sector.

“The Chamber is not against the introduction of the CRM. What we are against is the previous attempt to shut down existing investments. We believe you don’t collapse existing businesses—you run them side by side,” he said.