By Amin Kef Sesay
During a certification ceremony held recently by the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) to show appreciation to Dealers, Resellers and Contractors the Chief Executive Officer of the petroleum importing and marketing company, Ambassador Kobi Walker informed the audience that the company lost Le15 billion in the first 11 days of March (1st to 11th March) and Le40 billion between January and end February 2022 due to the fuel crisis and they don’t know when diesel will be available.
He continued by attributing such to a number of factors ranging from difficulty to access foreign exchange, the effects of COVID-19 and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. He underscored that 56% of the world supply of petroleum products is derived from Russia and because of the ongoing war the debilitating effects are felt worldwide.
“Since Sierra Leone is a net importer of petroleum products like some other countries we are in a difficult situation and it is the wish of many to see an end to the war for normalcy to prevail,” he stated.
Ambassador Kobi Walker categorically stated that as far as he knows NP-SL Ltd does not have a Trade Union highlighting how the relationship between the company and the different categories of retailers is purely based on mutual understanding and borders on engagements to deal with certain emerging situations but stressed that there is no binding contractual agreement that binds the two. He maintained that they as retailers have the liberty to do business with the company or not.
“This rumour that some retailers want to stage a strike action against the company is something that is not tenable and is not applicable,” he intimated adding that engaging Management on any thorny issue could be the only option.
It must be noted that NP-SL Ltd was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans as an indigenous petroleum importing and marketing company. Over the years the company has grown exponentially due to sound Managerial initiatives and strategies. Individuals interested in marketing these petroleum products have partnered with the company to construct and commission Filling Stations, bearing the NP brand name, in different parts of the country and get their supplies of petroleum products.
Based on the way the employees at the various Filling Stations are treating members of the public with mutual respect that transact businesses with the company in terms of delivering qualitative services has earned the company the respectable name or accolade of 1st for Customer Care.
Besides, the edifice of the Filling Stations built are so attractive and painted in yellow and green, some with mini marts where mini shopping could be done and for customers to briefly rest in cozy and accommodating places endears many to them.
However, the high quality of its products, has also contributed greatly in the growth of the company as evident in the ever-growing demand for Castrol Oil.
NP-SL Ltd is among the few indigenous companies operating in the country that places high premium on enhancing the country’s Local Content Policy. In that direction it is foremost in making it a laid down rule that only Sierra Leoneans must be considered for employment as opposed to foreigners unless in rare situations which is only applicable to certain contractual agreements Such has helped many to secure jobs and rise through the ranks over the years.
The company, in line with matching with technology ,introduced the use of a Smart Card widely known as NP Smart Card which is a Card with memory chip imbedded that can be credited with money and debited when it is used during the purchase of fuel. The holder only slots the loaded card into the space on the pumping machine after commanding the amount of fuel to be pumped and the exact amount is discharged with the card ready for another recharge to be used for the next purchase. It has been acknowledged that it is a safe, cashless way of conducting transactions assuring greater security and budgetary adjustments.
Added to NP Smart Card is the NP Gas which is a cooking gadget that has been guaranteed of giving optimal output as it is environmentally certified, is of high precision and the gas used for refilling purpose could be accessed at Filling Stations. They are manufactured in different sizes, sold at NP-SL Filling Stations and by authorized dealers.
Though Sierra Leone is where the parent company is located, however, it has branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
It could be concluded that these are indeed trying times for Oil Marketing Companies in this country with the ongoing Russian and Ukraine conflict. At this point in time it is but prudent for Government to strategize with these companies in order to find workable solutions to continue having petroleum products in the country otherwise the economic dislocations might become very telling.
