By: Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, COMAC, has recorded shortage of diesel and RON 95 fuel at multiple fuel stations across the Bono and Bono East Regions over the past two weeks.
During a mystery shopping exercise, COMAC’s Chief Executive, Dr. Riverson Oppong, observed that several fuel outlets were unable to meet customers’ demands.
He said the shortage is disrupting service delivery and eroding consumer confidence in the fuel supply chain.
COMAC conducted the mystery shopping exercise across 75 retail outlets in the Bono and Bono East regions.
The exercise was to evaluate operational efficiency, compliance with company standards, and overall customer service quality.
During the exercise COMAC identified critical operational and compliance lapses.
“There are pockets of shortages of diesel. Members complained when we visited them that for the past two weeks that they’ve been struggling to get access to AGO. The regulator knows what is wrong and I believe this is the time to have a proper, appropriate and sustainable schedule to have products imported and distributed to the members” Dr. Oppong intimated.
The Chamber noted that some retail outlets failed to display their RON stickers as required. RON stickers indicate the kind of product the retail outlet sells as some vehicles have specific specifications for fuel. RON stickers should be affixed to dispensers to help customers in easily identifying and choosing the type of fuel they wish to purchase.
“Most of the pricing boards were not working. We had to ask some of them to put it on and some of them complained that it has not been working for years. I think the regulator has to take this one up” He explains.
The exercise revealed inconsistencies in Automatic Tank Gauging, ATG systems, raising concerns about inventory tracking.
Safety lapses were another major concern, with staff demonstrating inadequate awareness of workplace safety protocols. COMAC recommended mandatory safety training to prevent risks.
Fuel pump accuracy tests showed minor deviations, with some pumps over-delivering and others under-delivering. The 10-litre cans were also used to assess dispensing accuracy. Dr. Oppong recommended recalibration to ensure uniformity at the pumps.
Site Manager of Icon petroleum, Hector Aryan said “for now, we don’t have much challenges here at the station. It’s still a new station. We are just seven months old so we believe that things will continue this way. The safety standards are good, the product is coming in, the price is competitive so everything is good”.
The Chamber called for immediate corrective actions and pledged its support in implementing improvements to enhance service quality and regulatory compliance.
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