Accra, Feb. 16, GNA - Members of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Ghana on Wednesday denied hoarding petroleum products in anticipation of increases in prices.

"We want to put on record that petroleum dealers are not hoarding products and therefore not responsible for the shortage of fuel on the market."

A statement signed by S.Y Apedoe, President of the Association, said the situation had created a state of insecurity for some members of the Association who have been subjected to public ridicule. It said the security agencies were also storming their premises to check whether they were hoarding the products.

"We can only sell the products if we receive them from the Oil Marketing Companies (OMC's) who lift the products from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), therefore if we do not receive the products from the OMC's, we cannot sell."

The statement noted that the dealers could not be blamed for the shortage, saying the inspection of their premises by the security agencies and the Energy Commission had vindicated them.

The dealers urged TOR and the stakeholders to find lasting problem to the situation.

"We have every reason to believe that there is something wrong somewhere but certainly not with the dealers. Perhaps, the shortage has come about as a result of panic buying from the public," the statement said.

The statement described members as law-abiding citizens who have the interest of the country and Ghanaians at heart.

"We will not do anything detrimental to the well being of the people and the development of the country."