NPA to Fully Deploy Cylinder Recirculation Model across Ghana
By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced that Ghana’s Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) is set for full implementation in 2026, following board approval of a key investment margin to support bottling plants nationwide.
The disclosure was made by the NPA’s Director of Business Development, Godwin Yaw Konu, during the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship training session held in Accra.
According to Mr. Konu, the NPA board’s approval of the cylinder investment margin is a critical step that will enable bottling plants to expand their operations and increase the supply of cylinders within the system, allowing consumers to easily exchange empty cylinders for filled ones.
“So soon, you should see a significant increase in cylinder rollouts,” he indicated, adding that more cylinders will be available at exchange points once nationwide deployment begins.
He urged consumers to prepare for the exchange process once the full rollout commences. Mr. Konu also clarified that the pilot phase of the CRM did not encounter major challenges but instead served as an essential learning period for both the Authority and its stakeholders. “It wasn’t a challenge per se. The pilot allowed us to understand the operational nuances involved in rolling out the model efficiently,” he explained.
The initial pilot phase involved refilling plants handling both cylinder filling and distribution. Subsequent trials shifted these responsibilities to bottling plants, which now manage filling, inspection, and distribution directly. Lessons learned from both approaches have enabled the NPA to identify gaps, refine processes and correct operational inefficiencies, preparing the Authority for a seamless nationwide launch.
While Mr. Konu did not specify the exact quarter for the rollout, he confirmed that the CRM will be fully deployed within 2026, with final timelines coordinated with the Gas Directorate.
The Cylinder Recirculation Model is designed to enhance safety in the handling and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by replacing on-site refilling at retail outlets with a cylinder exchange system. Under the initiative, customers exchange empty cylinders for pre-filled ones at designated points, while bottling plants are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and filling cylinders to comply with safety standards.
The model aims to reduce accidents at gas filling locations in residential and communal areas while ensuring cylinders are properly maintained before reaching consumers, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient LPG distribution across Ghana.
