NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 – The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced plans to tighten regulations on the opening of new LPG brands to enhance consumer safety.
EPRA’s Petroleum and Gas Director, Edward Kinyua, emphasized that stringent regulations are the surest way to protect consumers across the country and prevent future tragedies.
He highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the regulator, notably the issue of illegal refilling practices.
“We are committed to ensuring that consumers are fully protected to avert accidents. Illegal refilling is a big challenge that we are working on,” he said.
This move, he asserted, is critical for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that only authorized entities are involved in the LPG business.
The new regulations would include more rigorous vetting processes for new LPG brands entering the market.
This is aimed at ensuring that only companies that meet strict safety and quality standards are allowed to operate.
The goal is to mitigate risks associated with substandard products and illegal operations that pose significant hazards to consumers.
Likewise, he added that EPRA is keen on controlling the distribution of gas accessories such as banners, hose pipes, and gas regulators to ensure standards.
He added that most of the LPG accidents witnessed in the country are not the result of sub-standard cylinders but rather fake LPG accessories.
The announcement comes in the wake of several incidents linked to illegal LPG refilling and substandard gas cylinders, which have resulted in property damage and the loss of lives.
In February, a gas explosion killed several people, injuring more than 200 others in Nairobi’s Mradi village.
