BOST Addresses Concerns Raised by Kumasi Tanker Drivers

BOSTenergies has assured fuel tanker drivers and other stakeholders that steps are being taken to resolve concerns surrounding operations at the company’s Kumasi Depot.

The assurance follows plans by some tanker drivers to embark on a three-day sit-down strike over issues including alleged discrepancies in meter readings and inadequate parking space at the Kumasi Bulk Road Vehicle (BRV) Park.

According to BOSTenergies, management was already aware of the concerns and had begun addressing them before the planned industrial action.

One of the major issues involves a damaged loading arm at the depot. The company said it has engaged a contractor to replace the faulty equipment and restore the loading facility to the required operational, safety and reliability standards.

BOSTenergies added that despite the challenge, the Kumasi Depot continues to meet market demand through its other operational loading arms.

The company also acknowledged concerns about the limited parking space available to tanker operators. It said it had previously acquired land to develop a new BRV parking facility with a capacity of about 200 trucks.

BOSTenergies said a contractor has already been selected to construct the new facility, which is expected to reduce congestion and provide safer parking arrangements for tanker operators.

In the meantime, the company said it is leasing a third-party facility to provide additional parking space until the new 200-truck facility is completed.

BOSTenergies further disclosed that it had met with representatives of the tanker drivers’ union to discuss the challenges and explain the measures being implemented.

Following the engagement, the drivers agreed to suspend their planned three-day strike and continue discussions with BOSTenergies while the outstanding issues are being resolved.

The tanker drivers had earlier raised concerns about alleged inaccuracies in meter readings, claiming that discrepancies in the quantities recorded during loading were causing them financial losses.

They also complained about inadequate parking facilities, saying the shortage was forcing some drivers to park their trucks along roadsides while waiting to load or discharge petroleum products.

According to the drivers, the situation creates safety risks and causes inconvenience for other road users, especially along busy routes.

They therefore called for an urgent solution to the parking challenge and demanded that the petroleum metering system be thoroughly inspected to ensure that recorded volumes accurately reflect the actual quantities loaded.

BOSTenergies said it remains committed to working with the tanker drivers, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and other relevant stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the concerns.

The company also acknowledged the important role tanker drivers play in ensuring the smooth distribution of petroleum products across the country and pledged to maintain constructive engagement with their representatives.

Source:3news