The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has issued a directive warranting all retailers and transporters of LPG to get licenses for the businesses.
With the new directive, each business shall be specific to the authorized cylinder brands only.
The new regulations aim to curb unauthorized LPG cylinders filling, making marketers directly answerable for accidents caused by LPG gas leaks, including compensating victims. The move is expected to improve the safety of the consumers.
Breaching the regulations will lead to a Kshs 10 million fine or five-year imprisonment upon conviction according to section 99 of the Petroleum Act 2019.
Consumer Federation of Kenya, however, has said new regulations will cause a shortage in the market by restricting business to the brand’s dealers such as petrol stations, thus leading to monopolistic competition.
