A new model of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution is set to revolutionise the way Ghanaians access and use the fuel.

Starting from September, consumers in Accra and some regions of the country will have to register with their Ghana Card details before they can buy gas at exchange points across the country.

This is part of the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), an initiative led by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in collaboration with its partners and supervised by the Ministry of Energy.

The CRM will allow consumers to pick up pre-filled cylinders and pay only for the content, without having to own a cylinder. However, they will have to register with their Ghana Card first."We are still going to use the same price build-up for the implementation of the policy. Nothing in the price build-up is going to change..all we need from you is the Ghana Card and money to buy the LP," Perry Okudzeto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NPA is quoted to have said at a press briefing.

The CRM is expected to start in Accra and Kumasi next month, and then expand gradually to cover other regions.

Mr Okudzeto, explained the extensive preparation that has gone into establishing the CRM. He said the model had been rigorously piloted, and the systems and infrastructure had been developed to ensure the safe and secure distribution and use of LPG within the operational areas.

He said, "The programme taught us quite a number of lessons and that has gone into shaping the framework for the implementation of the new policy." He also stressed the importance of registering with the Ghana Card during the exchange process, saying it was vital for data collection and consumer traceability.

The implementation has been carefully planned. Four CRM Bottling facilities, including GOIL Bottling Plant in Tema and Kumasi, as well as BlueOcean and Newgas facilities, are ready for operation. Moreover, cylinder production is set to begin at APPEB Cylinder Manufacturing Company, SIGMA Cylinder Manufacturing Company, and the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company.

The CRM operation involves procuring cylinders from manufacturing entities, which are then transported to bottling plants for filling. The filled cylinders will then be transported in bulk to exchange depots for sorting and storage before reaching cylinder exchange points. Consumers can register and buy any quantity of LPG they need for domestic or commercial use.

The aim of this initiative is to ensure that at least 50 percent of Ghanaians have access to safe and environmentally friendly LPG by 2030. Besides enhancing access, the CRM also seeks to improve safety in LPG distribution and encourage its adoption. Notably, it hopes to prevent the loss of lives, property, and gas filling stations due to human errors.

Regarding pricing, Perry Okudzeto clarified that the new model will maintain the same price build-up as before. He assured the public that the main change was in the distribution network and access to LPG. Consumers will have the option to buy different quantities based on their needs.

The CRM initiative will operate alongside the existing distribution model until a suitable transition period is determined. Industry stakeholders have been actively involved, and their feedback has significantly influenced the design of the framework. The NPA is committed to a successful rollout, with ongoing collaboration and support from all parties involved.

Source: The Independent Ghana | P.M.A Roberts