Ebolowa soon to get own gas storage depot.

The depot will also be dotted with a filling station for the highly inflammable liquid, indicates the release from the CSPH boss.

The companies or company that will eventually be retained for the project will be responsible for building key infrastructure, including loading docks, pumping stations for products and fire safety, as well as nitrogen and air compressors.

Other infrastructure to be constructed alongside the gas depot are administrative and technical buildings, access roads, rest areas, a generator station, weighbridges, safety buildings and other structures that may be needed in the cause of implementing the project.

The selected companies will also be required to provide a living base with recreational areas, a clinic, a cafeteria, and residential houses for line staff who must stay on the site when the project eventually goes operational.

The CSPH is also hiring a project supervisor to oversee the construction. All bids must be submitted by September 18, 2024.

This project will be financed by CSPH’s investment budget for 2024 and 2025. 

Although the budget for the project was not disclosed in the release, CSPH’s Director General, mentioned that bidders must provide proof of access to a credit line or other financial resources of at least 2 billion FCFA to fund the center’s construction and another 130 million FCFA for the living base.  The construction is expected to take 24 months.

According to CSPH, building this domestic gas storage facility aims to secure gas supply in the South Region at government-regulated prices. 

This is expected to lower the cost of domestic gas in the area, making it more affordable.

The Hydrocarbons Prices Stabilisation Fund’s main mission is to regulate the price of hydrocarbon products nationwide, through partial or total support of the said products price increases, and according to its financial resources.

Also, CSPH participates in all operations aimed at controlling national energy policy through equity participation in the exploration, production, refining and distribution of oil products.

With the liberalisation of the downstream petroleum sector since 1998, CSPH ensures the regular supply of hydrocarbon products nationwide through regulation of stocks and prices.

It also provides arbitration needed to maintain a healthy competition between operators in the sector. 

Just as it supports the protection of consumers through two mechanisms: stabilisation and equalisation.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3224 of Monday September 9, 2024