The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has raided an illegal gas refilling facility where empty cylinders of popular brands were being refilled.
EPRA in a statement on Tuesday, February 25 said that the raid which happened on Monday night targeted an illegal gas refilling point in Meru town where LPG cylinders belonging to other brands were being refilled without their consent.
The suspects who were caught conducting the illegal gas refilling however escaped following the raid.
“Last night, our hawk-eyed surveillance and enforcement officers raided an illegal gas refilling facility in Meru town and uncovered workers hastily filling LPG cylinders belonging to other brands without their consent,” read part of the statement.
“After being busted, the perpetrators chose the ‘every man for himself’ strategy, as they bolted from the scene leaving behind the gas leaking dangerously.”
According to EPRA, the facility’s owner who was no present at the time of the raid, has since been summoned to face legal consequences.
The regulatory authority further notified the public that illegal gas refilling by suspects is always conducted in a rush in a bid to dodge law enforcers, warning that safety is not a priority for such suspects thereby endangering themselves and the public.
“We remain committed to public safety and strongly warn traders against cross-refilling without authority. We also urge the public to only purchase their gas from duly authorized and licensed traders to guarantee their safety,” EPRA added.
The illegal gas trade has been costing licensed brand owners close to Ksh1.2 billion yearly, stemming from the inability to benefit from their investments in manufacturing cylinders, and marketing their brands through advertisements.
