The Authority added that it is also aware that certain individuals have commenced unauthorised petroleum retail operations without a valid licence in violation of the Petroleum Products Act and the Health& Safety Regulations 2020.
PURA therefore called on all those currently building/constructing petrol stations and engaged in illegal retail activities without a licence to immediately stop and complete their legal obligations as required by Law.
According to PURA, the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted and scaled down their monitoring activities but said this should not be taken advantage of as they will still be carrying out strict enforcement measures against those who violate the law.
The authority highlights that it is mandatory to obtain a construction permit prior to undertaking any construction activity as required by the Retail Stations Regulations 2018 as well as meet other requirements of the Health & Safety Regulations 2020.
“Construction of petrol stations without a licence or engaging in any petroleum supply chain activity without a licence is at risk to the investor and will be dealt with accordingly,” further states PURA.
Meanwhile, The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is mandated by the Petroleum Products Acts 2016 to regulate the entire value chain of the downstream petroleum sector.
The Petroleum Products Acts 2016 Section 6 (2) clearly stipulates that a person shall not perform any petroleum products supply operations without obtaining a License under this Act.
