The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
THERE are liquefied petroleum (LP) gas cylinders that are being used unsafely and illegally for the distribution of the commodity across the country, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has warned.
The energy regulator said it has banned the use of these unsafe gas cylinders (48kg) which are being smuggled into the country.
ZERA said gas cylinders being used by Reatile, Wasaa, Tswana, Easigas, Totalgaz, Mendo, Oryx, Eiendon, Kasa, Avedia, ELF Gas and BP are not licenced to operate in Zimbabwe and, therefore, had no maintenance support in the country.
In a statement, the energy regulator said it will act against wholesalers in violation of its licensing conditions and urged the public to seek the services of licenced and reputable LP gas wholesalers and retailers.
“ZERA wishes to advise the public that there are some 48kg cylinders that are being used unsafely and illegally for the distribution of LP gas in the country. This includes 48kg cylinders smuggled from neighbouring countries and others whose brand identifications have been tampered with.
Such cylinders are unsafe as no one in the country bears responsibility for their maintenance and safety.
“In terms of LPG regulations and for safety reasons, only brand owners of 48kg cylinders or their authorised agents are entitled to fill and maintain them. It is a licence condition that LP gas wholesalers own and refill their own branded 48kg cylinders or obtain permission from brand owners if they need fill cylinders that do not belong to them,” said ZERA.
The energy regulator added that it is working with fellow regulators to eliminate the menace of smuggled cylinders in the market and urged the public to report any LP gas wholesalers violating the licencing regulations.
