This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
Kenya's energy regulator, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), is facing a seven-day ultimatum from the Energy Dealers Association (EDA) to curb police harassment of small and mid-sized Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) firms.
According to EDA Secretary General Kepher Odongo, police officers have been selectively enforcing a new law requiring LPG retailers, wholesalers, and transporters to hold licenses for each business location.
Mr Odongo claimed that the officers have been targeting only small and mid-sized LPG firms, arresting them while excluding multi-nationals and petrol stations, despite the new law also requiring them to have trade licenses.
“We are now saying enough is enough and we want the energy regulator to issue a statement stopping the harassment on retailers because they have to give the sensitization we had agreed on which was to run until the end of the year. If they do not do this then we will direct our members to stop selling gas to the public and we do not want to go that way as it will result in a crisis,” Mr Odongo said on Saturday.
EDA members estimate that they control 55 percent of the retail market, while the rest is served by big marketers.
The Petroleum Act 2019 requires licenses to be specific to authorized cylinder brands, and retailers must obtain prior written consent from brand owners.
However, Mr Odongo expressed concern that the three-month sensitization period elapsed without dealers being adequately informed, despite the law prescribing stiff penalties for non-compliance, including a fine of not less than Sh10 million or a term of imprisonment of not less than five years.
