Drivers blame Atuabo gas for Atomic Junction explosion

The Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Truck Drivers is blaming the high propane content in gas from Atuabo as the cause of recent gas explosions during discharge at filling stations in the country.

According to them, because of the high propane content in the LPG, the pressure of gas from
Atuabo processing plant is far higher than imported LPG, which destroys vital components in the trucks and at the filling stations, resulting in leakages and the resultant fires.

Ghana’s LPG standard

In Ghana, imported LPG is a mixture of 20% propane and 80% butane.

Atuabo gas: high propane level

According to information from industry players, the propane level in gas from Atuabo ranges between 50% and 70% while butane constitutes the remaining depending on the blend for the consignment. Industry players say government must pay attention to the concerns raised about gas from Atuabo.

Speaking to The Finder, Shafiu Mohammed, Chairman of LPG Truck Drivers Association, said high pressure due to high propane content destroys their discharging pumps and hoses when they load gas from Atuabo. In addition, he said, safety valves on the trucks are easily destroyed by the pressure of gas from Atuabo.