- EPRA raided an unauthorized gas refilling facility in Meru Town, Kenya, where workers were caught illegally filling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders
- EPRA highlighted the safety compromises caused by rushed illegal refilling operations and has summoned the facility’s absent owner to face legal consequences
- The authority cautioned Kenyans to purchase LPG only from authorized and licensed traders to ensure safety and avoid risks associated with illegal operations
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Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.
Meru, Kenya – The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued a stern warning to the public and traders after busting an illegal gas refilling facility in Meru Town.
The operation, conducted by EPRA’s surveillance and enforcement officers, uncovered workers hastily filling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders belonging to other brands without authorisation.
According to EPRA, upon being discovered, the perpetrators fled the scene, leaving behind leaking gas cylinders, posing a significant safety hazard to both themselves and the public.
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“Last night, our hawk-eyed surveillance & enforcement officers raided an illegal gas refilling facility in Meru town & uncovered workers hastily filling LPG cylinders belonging to other brands without their consent. After being busted, the perpetrators chose the ‘every man for himself’ strategy, as they bolted from the scene leaving behind the gas leaking dangerously,” EPRA said on X.
EPRA noted that the facility’s owner, who was not present at the time of the raid, has been summoned to face legal action.
EPRA cautions Kenyans
In a statement, EPRA cautioned Kenyans of the dangers of illegal gas refilling, noting that such activities are often carried out in a rush to evade law enforcement, thereby compromising safety standards.
“We notify the public that illegal gas refilling is always conducted in a rush, and as perpetrators attempt to dodge law enforcers, safety takes a backseat, endangering themselves and the public,” EPRA stated.
The regulatory authority urged Kenyans to ensure they purchase their gas only from duly authorised and licensed traders to avoid potential risks associated with illegal refilling.
“We also urge the public to only purchase their gas from duly authorized and licensed traders to guarantee their safety,” EPRA added.
Laws on illegal LPG cylinders refilling in Kenya
In Kenya, the laws governing the refilling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are primarily outlined in the Petroleum Act of 2019 and the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations of 2009, enforced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Based on these laws, refilling, trading, or rebranding LPG cylinders without the brand owner’s consent is illegal and punishable by a fine of at least KSh 10 million.
Additionaly, all LPG refilling businesses must be licensed by EPRA and comply with strict safety and operational standards, including owning or having agreements for at least 5,000 branded cylinders and adhering to Kenyan standards for cylinder quality.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
