The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has moved to quell public fears about a possible shortage of petroleum products following the restriction placed on movement persons in parts of the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.

According to the NPA, the country has adequate stocks of petroleum products and all retail outlets will be fully operational during the lockdown period.

“There will be no shortages of LPG, petrol or diesel in the country during and beyond the lockdown period,” the NPA gave the assurance in a press release issued on Saturday.

There was crowding of consumers at retail outlets on Saturday as hundreds of people queued to buy LPG before the lockdown kicks in on Monday.

According to the NPA, this crowding violates the social distancing protocols which health experts have advised is an important measure of controlling the spread of the coronavirus.

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday announced that movements in some urban areas in the country will be restricted from Monday for two weeks as part of government measures to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The lockdown affects areas in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi, where significant numbers of infections have been recorded.

Delivering his fourth national televised address on the state’s anti-coronavirus strategy on Friday evening, President Nana Akufo-Addo said beginning from 1:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, the lockdown will restrict the movement people for a period of two weeks subject to review.

The lockdown, he explained is to enable contact tracing of persons who have come into contact with persons who have tested positive for the deadly virus.

Read the full statement from the NPA below.