By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a concerning development, Sierra Leone is currently facing a widespread shortage of fuel, leaving citizens in a state of uncertainty. NP Sierra Leone (NP-SL) has emerged as the sole company with available fuel, operating all their filling stations across the country and facilitating smooth sales to the public.
The scarcity of fuel has raised questions among Sierra Leoneans about the absence of other major fuel companies in the market. Many are left wondering why these companies have not stepped up to address the pressing need for fuel in the country.
Calls have been made to the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) and the Government to investigate the cause of the shortage and ensure that measures are taken to alleviate the situation. The reliance on a single company for fuel supply has sparked concerns about the stability and efficiency of the fuel distribution system in Sierra Leone.
As citizens grapple with the impact of the fuel shortage on their daily lives, there is a pressing need for transparency and accountability in the management of fuel resources to prevent such crises from recurring in the future.
NP-Sierra Leone Limited stands as a leading indigenous company that has proven its resilience over time. Serving as the primary oil importing entity in Sierra Leone, it plays a pivotal role in keeping the nation’s wheels turning. The company is renowned for its prowess in the petroleum industry.
The petroleum marketing company has firmly established itself as the premier dealer in the country. Its outstanding performance in importing and distributing a diverse range of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, gas, and lubricants – notably Castrol oil – has earned it widespread recognition. The company’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality petroleum products is evident.
As a wholly indigenous enterprise, NP (SL) has made a lasting impact on Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. It consistently ensures the timely importation and widespread distribution of premium petroleum products to Filling Stations nationwide, ensuring easy accessibility for its valued clientele.
In a recent development, NP-(SL) unveiled a pilot phase of the Access and Energy Pass Card which is an innovative device that enhances access and efficiency in energy management systems while facilitating the seamless flow of petroleum products across the nation.
The Access and Energy Pass Card is in actual fact a user-friendly Smart Card that offers both online and offline usability coupled with high-security features to safeguard customer information. Notably, it provides instant SMS notifications after every transaction, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Customers can conveniently recharge their cards at designated stations or the Head Office, and even reverse transactions if needed. Additionally, stringent security measures are in place, including One-Time Passwords (OTP) for password changes in case of blockage due to incorrect entries.
During the launch of the pilot phase, the Chief Executive Officer of NP(SL) , Ambassador Kobi Walker, dilated on the state-of-the-art security features that are integrated into the Access And Energy Pass Card. He also highlighted the Smart Card’s seamless integration with customers’ mobile numbers, offering real-time transaction updates to empower users.
He elaborated on the benefits for station owners, including streamlined financial operations with direct credits to their bank accounts for transactions made through the Access and Energy Pass Card.
The new initiative, aptly named “FUBU” (For Us, By Us), stems from NP’s commitment to embracing a cashless future and addressing challenges identified through stakeholder consultations.
NP’s Access and Energy Pass Card promises to usher in a new era of self-service convenience, eliminating the need for pump attendants and empowering customers to fuel their vehicles independently. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, it aims to meet the diverse needs of customers and Station Managers alike.
