The Communications Manager for the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mohammed Abdul-Kudus, has addressed concerns regarding sub-standard fuel on the market.

Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express, Mr Abdul-Kudus stressed that the NPA is committed to fair and equitable treatment of all industry players.

"We at NPA do not have friends, we do not have enemies, we treat everybody fairly and equitably and make sure that they actually are towing and following the laid down rules and regulations," he said on Tuesday.

His statement comes after the Institute for Energy Security (IES) and the Chamber for Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) accused Chinese firm, Sentuo Oil Refinery of flooding the Ghanaian fuel market with unwholesome petroleum products in contravention of national fuel specifications, and all laid down regulations, licenses and permits about the country’s downstream petroleum market.

Related Story: IES, COPEC accuse Sentuo Oil Refinery of selling unwholesome products

According to the two energy think tanks, the out-of-specification products are reported to causing damage to vehicles and machinery with key oil marketing brands struggling to find ways to dislodge these products, with some compelled to shut down dispensing pumps, while the regulator – the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) - looks on helpless.

They further noted that the NPA is treating Sentuo Oil Refinery with kid gloves.

However, Mr Abdul-Kudus dismissed the assertion.

Reassuring the public, he said the NPA does not selectively enforce regulations but ensures that all entities adhere to the established standards.

"There was another issue that suggested that they didn’t have a permit to sell the product that they were selling, and we said 'No, that is not it.'"

He explained the rigorous process involved in setting up a refinery, including clearing certification processes and meeting specific requirements outlined on the NPA website.

Mr Abdul-Kudus emphasised that the NPA employs a thorough checklist to ensure compliance at every stage of refinery establishment.

"It was very important that we speak to that particular issue so that the consumer out there knows that there is no kid-glove treatment at Sentuo Oil Refinery," he stressed.

He highlighted the NPA's commitment to enforcing sanctions when necessary and underscored the impartiality in their dealings with industry players.

"We do not pick and choose who to treat in what particular manner," he said.

The NPA's stance aims to instill confidence in consumers and industry stakeholders, assuring them that the regulatory body remains vigilant in maintaining the integrity of the petroleum sector.