The Energy and Petroleum Authority (EPRA) has closed down an illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling plant in Mombasa.
In a statement on Sunday, June 23, EPRA revealed that the plant had been uncovered during a crackdown on such fake stations in the coastal region.
Led by the Coast Regional Manager Francis Keri, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided the facility that was reportedly refilling LPG cylinders from several legitimate companies without their consent.
Also involved in the raid were officers from the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA).
"Our ever-alert Surveillance and Enforcement team from the Coastal region over the weekend busted an illegal LPG refilling plant in the Majengo area of Mombasa County," he stated.
"The facility was found refilling and rebranding LPG cylinders from multiple licensed brand owners without the written consent from the rightful owners in violation of Section 99(1)(m) of the Petroleum Act, CAP 308."
Upon investigations, it was revealed that the facility had tampered with brand identities by removing valves, defacing cylinders, and altering logos.
Currently, the investigation is still ongoing, as this is a breach of Regulation 15 of the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations, 2019, posing serious safety risks.
"The Authority and its multi-agency partners remain firmly committed to ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public safety. Investigations are ongoing, and all those found responsible will face appropriate legal action," the statement concluded.
Accompanying the statement were hundreds of gas cylinders ranging from 6kg to 13kg from different brands, with others even painted over.
