The waiver took effect on January 20 and will expire on December 31, 2024.

The authority said in a statement issued on January 20, 2022 that all diesel and petrol imported into the country must continue to comply with the sulphur requirements stipulated at maximum 50 mg/kg (ppm).

It also stressed that the waiver would not affect prices of diesel and petrol but added that dealers and oil marketing companies that abused the directive would be fined a minimum of GH¢30,000.

ECOWAS directive

The maximum of 50 mg/kg (ppm) on diesel and petrol is a requirement by the Economic Community for West Africa States (ECOWAS) on Harmonised Specification for Automotive Fuels.

It is meant to harmonise the sulphur levels in fuels used in the subregion to help contain environmental pollution and push the green climate agenda.

The NPA said in the statement that it had granted the waiver to local refineries licensed by the authority to produce and supply diesel and petrol containing sulphur levels not exceeding 1,500 mg/kg (ppm) to the general public.

“Without prejudice to the interim waiver granted, diesel and petrol imported into the country shall continue to comply with the sulphur requirements stipulated at maximum 50 mg/kg (ppm) as contained in the ECOWAS Harmonised Specifications for Automotive Fuels.”

“The implementation of the interim wavier is to ensure that local refineries remain operational, while they introduce measures to meet the sulphur requirements stipulated in the ECOWAS Harmonised Specifications for Automotive Fuels,” the statement said.

Impact

The statement said in view of the interim waiver, diesel and petrol produced by local refineries should be allowed for sale and purchase at retail outlets.

It said they should also be allowed to commingle with imported products for sale to the general public.