Rubis Energy Kenya has issued a public notice to distributors, resellers, retailers and transporters of Liquefied Petroleum Gas – LPG commonly known as cooking gas, over fake gas cylinders in the market.
In a statement on Friday, September 22, the company noted that there were individuals duping Kenyans by presenting themselves as credible gas sellers.
According to Rubis, the con men were advertising, distributing and selling and reselling the fake gas cylinders to unsuspecting Kenyans.
Additionally, the company stated that it was the sole legally registered trademark owner of Rubis gas under the (Liquified Petroleum Gas) Regulations 2019.
“It has come to our attention that in contravention of Regulation 13 and 14 of the LPG regulations 2019, some unscrupulous persons are advertising and purporting to sell Rubis Gas as distributors, Resellers and Retailers,” read the notice in part.
Also Read: EPRA Raids Cooking Gas Company, Arrests Owner
Fines and Penalties for Selling Fake Cooking Gas Cylinders
At the same time, the gas company warned that anyone found to be in possession of the fake Rubis Gas Cylinders will be prosecuted.
Moreover, the individual will be fined a sum of Ksh10 million among other penalties in accordance with the law and the LPG regulations 2019.
“Any outlet or vehicle found in possession of a Rubis Gas Cylinder in contravention of the petroleum (Liquified Petroleum Gas) regulations 2019 will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and will be liable to a fine of Ksh10 million among other penalties,” added the statement.
EPRA on Sale of Illegal Gas Cylinders
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has raised concerns over the safety of gas cylinders, especially the popular brands in the country.
In the recent past, EPRA has been conducting raids on gas refilling plants in Nairobi, in collaboration with police officers from the Energy Police Unit.
On September 6, the authority discovered an illegal gas refilling plant in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, during a raid that targeted various locations in Nairobi.
The Petroleum Act, which governs operations in the energy and petroleum sector, prohibits any entity or person from refilling a branded cylinder without prior consent from the brand’s owner.
Also Read: Gas Cylinder Explosion In Matatu Claims Six Lives
EPRA on How to Prevent Gas Accidents at Home
According to EPRA, Kenyans can prevent gas accidents by avoiding purchasing LPG cylinders from unlicensed brands and retailers.
Additionally, the regulator warned of increasing number of players who had not been subjected to safety its standards and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Further, EPRA advises that LPG hoses should be changed at least once every five years and other accessories replaced upon the expiry of the validity period.
“If there is a malfunction in your LPG cylinder, do not try to fix it. Only technically qualified personnel should fix a cooking gas cylinder,” EPRA warned in a past statement.
