The Chief Executive Officer-National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has stated that the authority is developing robust guidelines and regulations to sanitise the petroleum-based lubricants market.
According to the CEO, the Authority is in the know that the lubricant market is currently saturated with sub-standard products that are causing more harm to vehicles and machine engines of the public than good, hence the Authority’s need to move swiftly in addressing this situation.
“I have charged my planning department to develop robust rules and regulations for sanitising the lubricant industry for us. The NPA has over the years concentrated on wet products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the lubricants industry’s neglect – to the extent that the market is flooded with sub-standard impotent lubricants.
“I want to send a strong signal that this situation is about to change in the next few months. We are going to set out rules and standards on how lubricants should be made, blended and quality standard limits among others,” he said.
He further indicated that there are about 170 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the country, making it one of the densest in Africa and the world at large. Therefore, with such intense competition the tendency for people to cut corners and make huge profits is high. However, the authority will stand firm to sanction anyone that is found to be culpable.
“The era when the regulator looked the other way and allowed players to breach laws and regulations with impunity is over. The NPA will regulate the industry in a fair and just manner to allow anybody or any company that plays by the rules to benefit from their hard work,” he reiterated.
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Dr. Mustapha Hamid made these remarks in his address as special guest of honour at the re-launch of Total Quartz Lubricants, held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra.
The NPA boss commended Total Petroleum Ghana for the quality products they have introduced onto the market over the years, as well as the continuous innovation in the petroleum industry – urging them to go beyond the unveilling in communicating the unique qualities in order that the public will benefit from the product.
The Quartz Engine Oil (QEO), dubbed the most efficient engine-cleaning technology, has been re-launched with enhanced packing features to make it easier for client use.
Lubricants Manager-Total Petroleum Ghana PLC, Henry Adzewodah, indicated that the product’s rebranding is a response to customer demands for an easy-to-handle product; and as a company committed to continuous provision of exceptional services and products to the general public, it responded to their demands.
“At Total, we are always innovating to bring value to our customers; and in line with this we conducted a research to understand their needs, so based on the feedback we designed this new packaging. This new packaging is designed to bring the best experience for customers in terms of flexibility and ease of using the product.
“The repackaged Total Quartz comes with a new label size that makes it easy to read; a new side-handle, making it easier to carry; and new bottle for easier pouring,” he said.
He added that the Total Quartz lubricant has been certified internationally to provide 74 percent improved protection against mechanical wear – which is above industry standard.
Beyond the bottle design, which comes with info pictures for easy understanding and use, improved ergonomic features for a firm grip and pouring, the make-up of the new packaging is also environmentally conscious – as issues of global warming/climate change are now important to every sustainable business.
