State sounds the alarm over gas cylinder conmen

By NICHOLAS WAITATHU

The Government yesterday raised concern about the rise in the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders that have been filled at illegal outlets, warning that they could compromise consumer safety, health and the environment.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) warned that unscrupulous traders have established outlets in rural areas, informal settlements and estates, and are selling low-quality cylinders that could be corroded and cause gas leaks.

At a breakfast meeting to advocate standards for LPG handling, distribution and storage, the institution added that some of these traders, who are making millions in illegal business, are conning consumers by selling gas cylinders that have not been filled to the brim.

KeBS Managing Director Eva Oduor said the Government will crack down on refilling outlets that are not properly licenced.

Some industry players, however, have accused the Government of allowing the business to go on for too long.

But when contacted, Energy Regulatory Commission Director-General Kaburu Mwirichia said they have been cracking down on illegal outlets, but the vice is spreading quickly as more people turn to gas over traditional fuel like firewood.

“We are aware of the growth of the unlawful business, and supported by regulations already in place, we have been raiding the illegal premises and arresting the bogus businessmen as well as dismantling the infrastructure they use,” he said.

The business has thrived in areas where standards enforcement is low.

“Most of these traders collude with owners of illegal refilling plants,” Oduor said.

She urged consumers to take their cylinders for refilling at registered outlets, such as petrol stations and supermarkets.

Caroline Wangeci, a resident of Tena Estate in Nairobi, said some dealers in the area do not issue receipts and offer to transport and connect gas cylinders, so one cannot tell if they are being shortchanged until the gas runs out unexpectedly.

“The Government ought to rein in these bogus dealers because the product they sell does not meet industry standards,” Wangeci said.

Consumer education

Oduor confirmed that her organisation has intensified consumer education to raise awareness on LPG safety and management. 

James Mwangi, the chairman of the technical committee that advises KeBS on standards formulation in the LPG sector, said the increase in low-quality gas cylinders  is worrying the industry.

“There is need for the government to activate its machinery to ensure consumer safety,” he said.

Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) General Manager Wanjiku Manyara confirmed that plans are underway to institute an independent inspection team to ensure that gas cylinder traders meet industry standards.