The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Marketers Association is demanding ample time to adjust to the implementation of the Cylinder Re-circulation Module (CRM) scheduled to take off in September 2023.

The Association is demanding a transition period of not less than 10 years during which both the Cylinder Re-circulation Module (CRM) and existing Refilling Plants would operate.

According to the LPG Marketers, although they are not against the implementation of the policy, they will lose at least 50-60% of sales volumes if the policy is implemented in its current form by September 2023.

They contend the current CRM will not be in the interest of consumers especially those who buy in smaller quantities at a time of petty trading.

The Marketers believe the successful implementation of the CRM will heavily depend on the mutual understanding and buy-in of all stakeholders and in this regard, it will be imperative to address the concerns of all current operators.

They added that all filling plant owners have substantial debt to pay, so any form of categorization which has the tendency to reduce the sales and volumes of the operator will not be in their interest, therefore cannot be accepted.

Speaking in an interview on the Market Place on Joy News, Vice President of the LPG Marketers Association, Gabriel Kumi reiterated the need for the NPA to engage further to ensure the full implementation of the policy.

"We gave a timeline of about two weeks to be able to hear from the NPA on our concerns. We are likely to meet the NPA next week to respond to our concerns".

"We have made our position clearly to them and we are not going to compromise on our concerns. I want to give them that respect so they're are expectant".

Meanwhile, the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), has thrown its weight behind the LPG Marketers calling for enough time to roll-out the policy.

In a press statement, its Chief Executive Officer, Kwaku Agyemang Duah said “it is essential we have a clear timeline for the various proposal of the implementation. A clear specific timeline will enable LPG Marketers, to plan and re-align their strategies and allocate resources to make the necessary adjustments”.