NPA Clears Fuel Quality Amid Vehicles Underperformance

An investigation by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cleared petroleum products sold across the country following observed underperformance of some gasoline vehicles.

According to the Authority, fuel consumed in the country meets the national standards.

“The Ghana motor gasoline standard (GS 140:2022) allows for some level of trace metals such as manganese up to 18 milligrams per litre (mg/l)… in recent times, the fuels that have been imported have contained levels of manganese closer to the maximum allowable limit.”

It comes after some petroleum product customers filed complaints about the reduced performance of their vehicles blaming fuels. An investigation, however, by the NPA found that the underperformance is specific to some vehicles.

“That some car manufacturers particularly turbo engine vehicles, recommend the use of gasoline that does not contain harmful manganese-based fuel additives. For example, the Honda CRV 2017 Manual.”

It noted that all the complaints came from users of turbo-engine vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Authority said it has taken steps to review the national standards, which will reduce the maximum allowable manganese level in regular gasoline from 18mg/l to 6mg/l and premium gasoline grade from 18mg/l to 2mg/l.

In the meantime, it stated that the proposed manganese standards are 6mg/l for regular gasoline and 2mg/l for premium gasoline grade.