This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
On Friday, a joint operation by detectives from the flying squad, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) led to the recovery of an assortment of gas cylinders from an illegal refilling plant in Syokimau, along Mombasa Road.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the detectives found 600 empty gas cylinders of different trademarks and arrested the owner of the plant.
Two vehicles, including a lorry used to ferry the cylinders, were also seized during the operation.
The recovery comes at a time when EPRA introduced new regulations in September to curb unauthorized LPG cylinders filling and enhance consumer safety.
The Petroleum Act 2019 provides that licenses for LPG cylinders will be specific to authorized brands, and retailers must obtain prior written consent from brand owners.
Those found in contravention of the regulations risk a fine of not less than Sh10 million or not less than five years in jail, or both, and may also face the withdrawal of their operating license.
