Epra has documented a sharp rise in legal actions against illegal cooking gas operations, driven by stricter enforcement of the 2019 Petroleum Act and LPG Regulations. As of this month, 60 cases related to liquified petroleum gas (LPG) violations are pending in courts, with 11 previously resolved.
The regulator attributes the increase to enhanced surveillance and collaboration with law enforcement, which has forced illegal traders to shift operations to nighttime. Epra emphasized that penalties under the 2019 legislation are severe enough to deter non-compliance, including license revocations and court prosecutions.
The 2019 reforms dismantled the LPG exchange pool established in 2008, which allowed consumers to refill cylinders at any retailer. While this change aimed to improve safety by holding brands accountable, it led to consumer inconvenience and lingering issues with unreturned cylinders. Epra is currently cataloging over 10,000 unaccounted cylinders, many retained by facilities due to unpaid debts.
Gas consumption has grown steadily, reaching 371,400 tonnes in 2021—a 15.7% increase from 320,909 tonnes in 2020. Since 2012, residential and commercial use has nearly doubled, reaching 151,700 tonnes by 2016—nearly double the 2013 level. Despite regulatory efforts, Epra acknowledges ongoing challenges with rogue operators adapting to enforcement measures.
