The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has shut down the operations of the Shell Filling station at Adomi Bridge (Atimpoku) in the Eastern Region for selling water–laced petroleum product to unsuspecting customers.
Following a widely circulated video on social media and subsequent complaint made to the Authority on 29th August, 2022 about a suspected contaminated fuel purchased at the aforementioned retail outlet, a team from the Eastern Regional office of NPA was immediately dispatched to ascertain the veracity of the report.
The team immediately undertook a water content presence test and a dip into the well of the outlet indicated the presence of water.
Management of Vivo Energy in a letter addressed to the Authority posited there was water ingress into the underground Super tank after a heavy downpour in the area which was corroborated by the investigative team sent by the Authority.
However, a sample has been sent to the head office laboratory for further investigations with other segments going for forensic audit at the Ghana Standards Authority. The station will only be allowed to resume operations after all remedial actions have been taken and confirmed by the NPA.
Below is the full statement
Probe
Meanwhile Vivo Energy Ghana, marketer and distributor of shell branded fuels and lubricants has commenced investigation into circumstances leading to the leakage of water into its super tank at the Adomi Bridge branch at Atimpoku.
The incident resulted in the stalling of the engines for a number of customers who had earlier bought fuel at the Adomi Bridge branch.
A statement issued by Vivo Energy Ghana on Monday (29 August), said alternative arrangement has been made for all customers who were affected by Sunday’s incident.
“There was water ingress into the underground Super tank after the heavy downpour in the area. This resulted in the stalling of the engines for a number of customers who had earlier carried out transactions at the station.
“On hearing of this unfortunate incident, sales at the station was immediately halted. All customers who were involved were also immediately contacted and alternative arrangements made for them where possible.”
“We continue to be in touch with the affected customers to ensure full closure whilst further investigations continue to permanently resolve the issue and prevent any future occurrence., the statement said.
Apology
The company has since apologised to the affected customers and has pledged its commitment to deliver quality products to its clients.
“We apologize to all impacted customers whilst we work with our Technical Team to resolve this issue.”
“We wish to reassure all our cherished customers that this is an isolated case, and we remain committed to ensure the strictest levels of quality and safety at all our service stations,” Vivo Energy Ghana added.
