Gas Companies Fined For Exploiting Kenyans

File image of a gas cylinder filling station in Kenya
File image of a gas cylinder filling station in Kenya
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The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has fined an association of suppliers Ksh408,000 on allegations of exploiting Kenyans.

In a gazette notice dated Friday, August 2021, CAK found Energy Dealers Association (EDA), a conglomerate of 32 small-scale suppliers and distributors, culpable of hatching the illegal plot to exploit Kenyans following investigations.

The 32 players are accused of colluding to fix the minimum prices of 6kg and 13kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. The suppliers applied to enter in a settlement agreement where they were fined Ksh408,000.

File image of various LPG gas cylinder brands on display
File image of various LPG gas cylinder brands on display
The Standard

"The association has paid a financial settlement Ksh408,000 which is equivalent to 5 percent of the relevant annual turnover and undertaken not to engage in anti-competitive conduct."

CAK explained that although there was no evidence that the suppliers proceeded to implement the proposals, the intent was contrary to Section21 of the Competition Act, which outlaws restrictive trade practices.

Specifically, the association was found to have advocated for the enactment of the Energy Dealers Act 2019 with the objective of recommending pricing formulae to its members.

Restrictive trading practices are any habits used by a player in any industry to offer them a competitive advantage against another while doing business. This includes colluding to set prices for a product.

Following the fine imposed on them, EDA committed to implementing a competition compliance programme to sensitize its members and their staff about the provisions of the act.

The prices of LPG increased following the introduction of 16% value-added tax by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in April, 2021. KRA stated that the new tax would take effect from July 1.

Kenyans would be forced to part with Ksh300 more when purchasing either 6kg or 13kg of gas, which were among the zero-rated items.

In February, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) called for stakeholders in the LPG gas and tanker businesses to use reinforced steel to minimize explosions.

The new LPG depot under construction at Wambugu Farm, Nyeri County as seen on Friday, May 15, 2020
The new LPG depot under construction at Wambugu Farm, Nyeri County as seen on Friday, May 15, 2020
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