A multi-agency police unit comprising regular law enforcers and officers guarding critical energy infrastructure shut down a gas company located along Mombasa Road after conducting a compliance raid.
According to a statement by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday, the operation was conducted last week after it suspected the firm of illegally refilling gas cylinders.
EPRA confirmed that the company breached its license and other guidelines by undertaking the questionable activities which prompted its closure.
For instance, the company concealed some of the cylinders in an underground water tank, raising speculations that it haboured a sinister motive.
It was also accused of refilling gas cylinders of a well-known brand without proper authorisation from the parent company.
"Following a thorough and exhaustive investigation conducted by the multi-agency team, it was established that this licensed facility has been engaging in the illicit refilling and trade of LPG in cylinders without the requisite authorisation," read the statement in part.
"During the operation at the premise situated on Maasai Road, adjacent to Mombasa Road, 35 assorted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders were unearthed, concealed within an underground water tank that was three-quarters filled with water," it added..
Consequently, a decisive action was taken to shut down the facility with one of the workers at the company arrested.
The suspect will be charged for contravening guidelines spelt out in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Regulations 2019 and also assist the police with investigations.
Kenyans, on the other hand, were cautioned to be weary of unscrupulous traders out to swindle them and to report any suspicious activities to the police and EPRA.
Reports can be made through EPRA's official line, 0709 336 000, or through email: info@epra.go.ke.
The illegal refilling of gas cylinders has seen some substandard refilled cylinders get into the market, posing serious accident threats at homes.
