How to Apply for LPG Dealer Permit as EPRA Caps Limit at 30,000 Cylinders

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has raised the minimum number of cylinders required to qualify for an LPG dealership license from 5,000 to 30,000.

Under the previous EPRA requirements for obtaining a license for retail of LPG in cylinders, prospective dealers required to have a proof of ownership of at least 5,000 cylinders of either 0.5,1,3,6 or 13kg or a written authority for distributorship of a particular brand from a licensed LPG cylinder brand owner.

However, EPRA raised the limit to 30,000, effective immediately, a move the authority said aims to curb the influence of cartels and middlemen in the sector.

The measure contained in the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations of 2024 is also part of efforts to streamline the LPG market, improve safety standards, and combat illegal refilling practices that have caused tragic incidents, such as the February 2024 Embakasi explosion that claimed more than 10 lives.

According to EPRA, the increased threshold is further intended to attract only serious investors with adequate capacity, thereby minimizing unauthorized operations. 

Also Read: EPRA Raids Illegal LPG Point Refilling Popular Cooking Gas Brands

Requirements for obtaining an EPRA LPG permit for retail in cylinders

Besides prospective LPG gas dealers have a proof of ownership of at least 30,000 cylinders, they must meet these other requirements.

1. Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Certificate.

2. CR12 from the Registrar of companies (should not be older than 1 year at the time of submission of the application. Further, if a Limited company appears as part of the shareholders, provide the company’s CR12 plus all the Directors’ IDs).

3. Legible Copies of Identification Documents (IDs/Passports for all the directors).

4. Valid Work Permits Class “G” for all foreign directors working in Kenya (Foreign directors not resident in Kenya should provide a notarized declaration. Further, any employee given Powers of Attorney by a foreign director should provide a copy of their identification document).

5. A valid Tax Compliance Certificate for the applicant from the Kenya Revenue Authority, and a valid Single Business Permit for the premises of operation from the respective County Government.

6. A valid Fire Clearance Certificate for the premises from the respective County Government, and a valid certificate of weighing scale calibration from the Department of Weights and Measures.

7. They must also provide a color photograph of the retail point clearly showing the cylinder holding cage and the neighboring premises.

Also Read: EPRA Shuts Down Petrol Stations Selling Substandard Fuels [FULL LIST]

Online application procedure

To apply, visit the Online Services Portal on the EPRA website and follow the following steps:

1. Click “Create Account”, Click on “License Management” then select “New Licence Application.”

2. Select the preferred Category in this case – Retail of LPG in Cylinders.

3. Read and accept the licence conditions provided and click on “Proceed with registration icon.”

4. Follow the application process step by step by filling in the required information and click “Save.”

5. Attach the required documents as per the licence category and submit the application.

Requirement for renewal of license for retail of LPG in cylinders

1. CR12 from the Registrar of companies (should not be older than 1 year at the time of submission of the application. Further, if a Limited company appears as part of the shareholders, provide the company’s CR12 plus all the Directors’ IDs).

2. Legible Copies of Identification Documents (IDs/Passports for all the directors).

3. Valid Work Permits Class “G” for all foreign directors working in Kenya (Foreign directors not resident in Kenya should provide a notarized declaration. Further, any employee given Powers of Attorney by a foreign director should provide a copy of their identification document).

4. A valid Tax Compliance Certificate for the applicant from the Kenya Revenue Authority and A valid Single Business Permit for the premises of operation from the respective County Government.

5. Proof of ownership of at least 30,000 cylinders of either 0.5,1,3,6 or 13kg or a written authority for distributorship of a particular brand from a licensed LPG cylinder brand owner.

6. A valid Fire Clearance Certificate for the premises from the respective County Government and a valid certificate of weighing scale calibration from the Department of Weights and Measures.

Licence processing period, duration and charges

Applications for licences are evaluated within 30 calendar days from date of receipt.

According to EPRA, no fees are charged for petroleum business licences issued by the authority.

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