National Chairman of the Premix Committee, Nii Lante Bannerman has condemned recent reports suggesting that the change in colour of Premix fuel amounts to a reduction in the quality of the product.

He described proponents of such information as treacherous individuals seeking to tarnish the image of the product as well as the relevant stakeholders.

Prior to this development, some fishermen at Elmina in the Central Region demanded an explanation from the National Petroleum Authority and Government why the colour and quality of the premix fuel have changed in recent times.

They expressed concern about the current quality of the premix fuel sold to them adding, it destroys their outboard motors and its colour is no longer safe for their business.

But at a news conference today April 4 2019, Mr Nii Lante Bannerman told the media that Tema Oil Refinery, the only body mandated to blend Premix fuel in the country and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) have consistently ensured the product is of high quality due to series of quality assurance tests before it goes onto the market.

He added, TOR on 4th February informed the National Premix Fuel Secretariat and all stakeholders about shortage of the blue dye and assured all fisherfolks that its quality remains the same and falls within the specification.

Mr Nii Lante Bannerman went on further to note that the absence blue dye has not in any way lowered the quality of the product and that individuals who belong to such ‘school of thought’ are highly ignorant.

“A diabolical claim was earlier made public through a press conference to suggest the change in colour of the premix fuel was because the product had been adulterated. For anyone or group of persons to suggest that the absence of the blue dye has lowered the product’s quality is not only laughable but displays a clear case of stark ignorance on their part There was also an allegation at the said press conference about the absence of a certain oil in the premix fuel. “It beats our imagination how Maanoma could determine the absence of ‘’oil’’ in the premix fuel without subjecting the product to scientific tests. We are still at a loss as to which missing oil he is referring to. A diabolical claim was earlier made public through a press conference to suggest the change in colour of the premix fuel was because the product had been adulterated” he stated