The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has responded to reports stating that an illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling station has been operating at Chwele shopping center in Bungoma County.
In a statement issued on Thursday August 29, the authority refuted these claims labeling them as untrue.
“We would like to clarify that information circulating on social media, alleging that there has been an illegal LPG filling system refilling LPG cylinders at Chwele shopping center in Bungoma County is not true,” said EPRA.
Additionally, the Authority in the statement revealed that a team of officials, led by Regional Manager Mr. Dickson Karani conducted an inspection and found that the site was a gas welding system that combines LPG and oxygen, and not an illegal operation as earlier reports claimed.
“Early today, our officers led by the Regional Manager – North Rift, Mr. Dickson Karani visited the site and established that, it is a gas welding system, which uses a combination of LPG and oxygen,” the regulator added.
EPRA concluded the statement by encouraging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious LPG activities by through their various channels.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and promptly report any suspected instances of LPG malpractice through hotline number: 0709 336 000 or email: [email protected],” said the authority.
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EPRA Cracks Down on Illegal Gas Filling Plants
EPRA’s clarification comes a month after the authority announced that its officers had recovered 26,000 gas cylinders in a nationwide crackdown on illegal gas filling plants initiated over the past year.
In a statement made in July 2024, the energy regulator said that the crackdown, which targeted areas within Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret saw the authority save brand owners from incurring business losses estimated at Ksh 1.2 billion.
EPRA explained that Illegal gas-filling plants have been causing huge losses to brand owners as they not only undercut legitimate businesses but also prevent brand owners from reaping the benefits of their investments in manufacturing, marketing, and maintaining the return flow of LPG cylinders for refilling.
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The statement revealed how the crackdown led to the closure of 32 illicit LPG refilling centers and the suspension of several LPG licenses.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo said the watchdog will be returning the impounded cylinders to the legitimate brand owners to enhance the availability of genuinely refilled LPG cylinders in the market.
He said that the first batch of 6000 cylinders had been handed over to the respective brand owners, as the regulator seeks to restore order in Kenya’s LPG market.
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