The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Monday, January 16, busted a rogue gas depot in Embakasi East, Nairobi, after establishing that the dealer was operating without a license.
According to a statement shared on Tuesday, January 17, officers from the energy regulator - in collaboration with police officers from the energy unit - undertook an operation as part of its mandate.
Their pursuit led them to a depot named Salama Gas Limited which was heavily stocked with cylinders bearing different brands operating across the country.
However, the officers established that the owner was operating without authorization from the respective gas companies.
They found 176 gas cylinders from the depot and, consequently, ordered the immediate closure of the business.
"The facility has since been shut down and four apprehended pending court arraignment to be charged in accordance with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Regulations 2019," read the statement in part.
This was the second raid in four days as the energy regulator vows to weed out rogue operators in the sector.
On Friday, January 13, EPRA raided a gas store in Kiambu County which led to the impoundment of 284 defaced gas cylinders.
According to the Petroleum Act, refilling gas cylinders is strictly a preserve of authorised brands with any contravention attracting a fine of Ksh1 million.
The laws regulating gas trade also stipulate that a gas cylinder should be prequalified, repaired, or scrabbed whenever need be as part of the precautionary measures.
In addition, retailers and dealers who stock substandard gas cylinders in disregard of the precautionary measures put in place are also liable for a fine or imprisonment.
In response to the growing trend of unauthorised gas dealers, EPRA asked members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities surrounding the sale of gas cylinders.
