By Kizito CUDJOE
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has reassured the public that the country is receiving regular fuel deliveries, dispelling recent media reports about an impending fuel shortage.
COMAC stated that the current petrol stock is sufficient to meet approximately three weeks of national demand, with additional shipments actively being discharged.
Other fuel-loaded vessels are anchored and awaiting their turn to offload, COMAC added, emphasising that “there is no cause for alarm and any risk of a fuel shortage has been effectively eliminated”.
The clarification follows an interview with COMAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Riverson Oppong, whose comments were misinterpreted by some media outlets.
A statement issued by COMAC clarified that: “Dr. Oppong did not issue a warning of an impending fuel shortage, but rather provided updates on a temporary reduction in petrol stock due to operational factors, including the suspension of refining activities at Sentuo Oil Refinery”.
The statement also addressed claims regarding government’s Gold-for-Oil (G4O) policy. “Dr. Oppong did not state at any point that the G4O policy is a solution to fuel shortages,” COMAC noted. Instead, he commended the policy while advocating a review to optimise its implementation in light of evolving industry dynamics.
This recommendation, they noted, reflected evolving consumption dynamics in the industry since the policy’s inception.
COMAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, stability and sustainability in the petroleum sector, pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders to meet industry goals.
The Chamber also urged media outlets to exercise responsibility in their reporting to prevent unnecessary public anxiety.
“We assure the public that there is no looming fuel shortage, as adequate supplies are currently available at the ports – with additional volumes expected to further cushion the market,” the statement added.
