Petroleum retailers liaising with government on armed attacks

The Petroleum Retailers Association (PRA) said on Wednesday that it is liaising with the government to solicit the assistance of the security agencies to help stem the increased crime wave in the Accra Metropolis.

At the end of an emergency meeting in Accra, the executives said that, as an interim emergency measure, all filling stations throughout the country are to close not later than 2100 hours daily in conformity with guidelines issued by the oil companies until the situation improves.

The meeting was necessitated by the recent armed attacks on three filling stations in Accra in which two people lost their lives and large amounts of money were stolen.

A statement signed by Mr Sylvester Y. Apedoe, President of the PRA, said they are worried because such attacks not only cost lives but seriously compromise their capacity to serve the public efficiently.

"We condemn the recent spate of renewed attacks by armed robbers on filling stations throughout the country," he said.

"In the mean time, we console affected families and urge them to bear with us..."

One member told the GNA that they could not afford to be exposed to such risks, and urged that the entire security apparatus be marshalled to remedy the situation if necessary.