By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a significant development for Sierra Leone’s oil and gas industry, NP (SL) has thrown its weight behind the introduction of the Fuel Marking System, launched at its Kissy Terminal. This endorsement marks a crucial step forward in enhancing efficiency and transparency in the sector.
The milestone event took place across two key locations: first at SICPA (SL) Limited’s warehouse at the Wellington Industrial Estate, followed by NP’s Kissy Terminal. The system aims to revolutionize the market and ensure efficient revenue generation for the Government.
Worthy to note is that fact NP-SL played a pivotal role in the process of the launch by providing its Terminal facility for the symbolic fuel marking exercise. During this period, the system’s significance was showcased in the presence of relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), National Revenue Authority (NRA), Civil Society Organizations, the Media and other Oil Marketing Companies.
The representative of NP-SL Ltd, Consvonne Macrae, the company’s Finance & Accounts Manager, expressed the company’s full support for the system, recognizing it as a game-changer for revenue collection and fair business practices in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the system’s ability to address issues like fuel diversion, ensuring that tax concession products reach their intended recipients.
Earlier, the NRA Commissioner General, Jeneba Kpaka-Bangura, emphasized the system’s benefits for all customers, especially concessional ones. She stressed its role in safeguarding tax revenue and protecting investments in the sector, dispelling concerns of any potential increase in fuel pump prices.
It must be noted that the Fuel Marking System involves the addition of an invisible ink-like solution to petroleum products loaded in BRVs (fuel tankers). This solution, undetectable to the human eye, can be uniquely identified in a chemical laboratory to determine product ownership or category. Importantly, it does not alter the quality, quantity, or color of the fuel.
The introduction of patrolling Mobile labs will further bolster the system’s effectiveness. These vehicles will inspect fuel storage facilities at Filling Stations, identifying the category of fuel supplied by BRVs and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Significantly, the Fuel Marking System rep resents a significant leap forward for Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector, promising enhanced transparency, revenue generation and fair play. NP’s endorsement underscores the industry’s commitment to embracing technological advancements for the greater good of the nation.
