Energy PS Issues Stern Warning to Unlicensed LPG Refillers

KIENI, NYERI COUNTY – Energy PS Alex Wachira has issued a stern warning to operators of unlicensed Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) businesses, emphasizing the government’s resolve to enforce compliance with safety regulations. Speaking in Kieni, Nyeri County, Wachira cautioned that those found operating without proper licenses would face serious legal consequences.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Ministry of Energy is set to conduct a nationwide crackdown to eliminate unregulated LPG distributors. The focus will also be on gas operators in residential areas to ensure they adhere to safety checks before cylinders are sold to the public. Wachira highlighted the risks posed by illegal refillers, noting that they lack the capacity to monitor cylinder safety, thus endangering both themselves and consumers.

The warning follows a tragic incident in the Mradi area of Embakasi, Nairobi, where a gas explosion occurred, resulting in three deaths and 280 injuries. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) confirmed that the gas filling station involved had been operating illegally and had previously been denied a license for failing to meet safety standards.

Wachira urged Kenyans to purchase LPG cylinders from dealers licensed by EPRA, emphasizing the risks associated with illegal refillers. He also called for increased vigilance and strict enforcement from the Energy Police Unit and EPRA during compliance inspections, stressing the importance of prioritizing public safety.