Government lists new measures for LPG traders

Among them is a regulation that will limit the filling of LPG cylinders between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., unless otherwise authorized by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

At the same time, gas stations will be required to operate in accordance with specified times to reduce risk, with details varying depending on local EPRA guidelines.

Other requirements include operating with appropriate licenses or permits, failure to comply with safety measures such as fire extinguishers, emergency controls or storage standards can also result in heavy penalties. fines and operational shutdowns.

While mismanagement of cylinders, including unauthorized filling, tampering with seals or failure to requalify cylinders as required, results in penalties and financial sanctions.

This regulation comes almost a year after the deadly gas explosion that killed six people, injuring more than 200, in February 2024.

Industry players could also have their licenses suspended for up to 9 months for general non-compliance, while some cases may result in permanent revocation of licenses in serious cases.

A problem which, according to those in the energy sector, constitutes a severe sanction and which they believe will have negative effects on those in the energy sector.

At the same time, sector players deplored the restrictive operating hours, capped between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., adding that this contrasts with the vision of a 24-hour economy and that the restrictions will limit operations and affect the supply chain. supply and demand.

The stakeholders’ concerns come two weeks after President William Ruto formed a task force to investigate companies leaving Kenya and make recommendations on how to stop the flight of businesses and capital out of the country. walk.

Additionally, industry players have expressed concerns that the number of gas cylinder owners will increase from 30,000 to 70,000 under the proposed regulations, stressing that this would discourage businesses.

However, in an effort to protect consumers, the regulations will require LPG suppliers to maintain accessible systems for recording, investigating and resolving complaints, which includes referral to EPRA for unresolved issues.

The regulations also provide that consumers will pay a deposit when acquiring LPG cylinders, which must be refunded upon return of the cylinder, the deposits being set in accordance with the regulations and cannot be deducted for wear or degradation. bottles.