The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has reviewed the national sulphur specification for diesel from 3000 parts per million (ppm) to 500ppm.

This was contained in a statement released by the Authority. The statement said this takes effect from January 2017.

“The revised national specification of sulphur in diesel was reached on Monday 3rd October 2016 with industry stakeholders after deliberations.”

“This deliberation has been part of an extensive and collaborative effort with stakeholders since 2013 on how to reduce the sulphur levels in diesel consumed by motorists in Ghana and member states in the West African sub-region,” it added.

The NPA, therefore, called on all fuel suppliers to abide by the new standards. It also said that suppliers could import ultra-low-sulphur-diesels to Ghana.

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"Additionally, all suppliers of fuel to Ghana are by this revised specification, allowed to import diesel at 10ppm or lower. This means that whilst the revised national specification will be at 500pmm, suppliers of fuel could import ultra-low-sulphur-diesels (ULSD) to Ghana as pertains in Europe."

The reduction is as a result of a report by Public Eye which criticised Swiss firms for their links to the trade of diesel in Africa that contain high Sulphur considered illegal in Europe.

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Reacting to the report earlier the Chief Executive of the NPA said the diesel with ultra-low-sulphur-diesels was too expensive for the Ghanaian consumer.

But the Public Relations Officer of the NPA, Yaro Kasambata speaking on Accra-based Joy FM said they do not perceive any increase in prices of the commodity.

“We don't envisage an increase in diesel prices as a result of reduction in sulphur levels. Various models have been explored and the best foot has been put forward,” he said.