NPA orders flooded fuel stations to shut down, warns of fire and explosion risk

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has ordered the immediate shutdown of fuel stations inundated by floodwaters, warning that operators who fail to comply with emergency safety measures could face prosecution.

The directive follows Monday's widespread flooding, which submerged parts of Accra and other communities, raising concerns over the risk of fuel contamination, fires, explosions and environmental pollution at affected filling stations.

In an emergency public notice, the regulator instructed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), dealers, transporters and fuel station operators to immediately halt the sale, loading and offloading of petroleum products at any station where floodwaters have entered the forecourt, underground storage tanks or other operational areas.

The NPA said operations must remain suspended until the facilities have been declared safe by inspectors.

It also ordered operators to disconnect electricity to fuel pumps, dispensers, canopy lighting and other forecourt equipment wherever it is safe to do so, while ensuring that staff, customers and vehicles are evacuated from affected stations.

To minimise the risk of accidents, the Authority directed operators to establish a safety exclusion zone extending at least 100 metres around flooded facilities.

Smoking, naked flames, welding and any activity capable of producing sparks have been prohibited within the restricted area because of the danger of igniting petroleum vapours.

The regulator further instructed operators to immediately notify the nearest NPA regional office, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and their respective Oil Marketing Companies whenever a station is affected by flooding.

Under the new safety measures, flooded fuel stations will only be allowed to reopen after floodwaters have completely receded and a joint inspection by the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service confirms that underground storage tanks, pipelines, dispensers and other critical infrastructure are safe to operate.

Operators must also remove and properly dispose of any fuel contaminated by floodwater or hazardous waste in line with environmental regulations.

The Authority warned that selling contaminated petroleum products would constitute a serious breach of Ghana's petroleum regulations and could result in regulatory sanctions and criminal prosecution.

The NPA also appealed to the public to stay away from flooded filling stations, warning motorists not to drive through or gather around affected facilities.

It cautioned that floodwater around fuel stations could contain petroleum products and other hazardous substances that pose risks to human health and the environment.

Motorists and residents have been urged to report fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible fuel sheens on floodwater or any other dangerous conditions to the Ghana National Fire Service or the nearest NPA office, while following instructions from emergency responders.

The emergency directive comes as authorities intensify efforts to minimise secondary disasters following the floods, amid growing concerns that damaged fuel infrastructure could create additional safety hazards if strict precautions are not observed.