THE Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) in Eastern Zone has directed cooking gas companies to conduct regular inspections to ensure safety of cylinders and control unscrupulous individuals tampering with the cylinders.
Addressing journalists shortly after the authority conducted operation in Kariakoo and Upanga in Dar es Salaam Region, EWURA Eastern Zone Manager Eng Nyirabu Musira said they are working closely with stakeholders including Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited to identify unscrupulous individuals tempering with the gas cylinders.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of gas companies to ensure the safety and proper filling of their cylinders.
“I urge gas companies to continue cooperating with EWURA in monitoring their gas cylinders, especially those weighing over 16 kilograms, as they are mostly used for illegal refilling. Our regulations state that it is the companies’ responsibility to track these cylinders,” said Eng Musira.
He added that they have been collaborating with gas selling companies to conduct frequent inspections, adding that those violating the set regulations or tampering with the cylinders are penalized to a tune of 20m/- or three years imprisonment, or both.
He added: “What gas selling firms are doing is part of their responsibility. The licenses we issue also require them to ensure cylinder safety and proper gas volumes as per required standards,”
Eng Musira elaborated that the LPG regulatory framework requires companies importing and distributing gas to also monitor distribution of their products and ensure the business is conducted in a proper and safe environment.
“When these companies conduct operations, they are accompanied by EWURA officials and police officers. Through this collaboration, we’ve had significant success in cracking down on fraudsters involved in illegal refilling as well as tampering with gas cylinders,” said the official.
Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited Chief Sales Manager, Shaban Fundi said they regularly conduct inspections, calling upon the government to strengthen efforts to control individuals involved in illegal refilling of gas cylinders.
“We’ve been promoting the use of clean energy, emphasizing safe usage of cooking gas. We want to ensure customers receive the correct gas volume,” remarked Fundi, adding improper use or illegal refilling of gas cylinders can endanger lives and undermine the investments and government efforts to promote clean cooking energy.
“We have arrested individuals tampering with gas cylinders, we will continue with similar inspections in other regions. We are thankful to EWURA, the police force and Weight and Measurement Agency (WMA) for their support in curbing this illegal business,” he said.
He explained that tampering with the cylinders affects consumers and may result in accidents.
“When we refill gas cylinders at our official stations, we strictly follow safety procedures. Those involved in illegal refill ignore safety standards, posing risk to users. We do not want accidents to occur, that’s why we call for joint action to end such practices,” said Fundi, mentioning Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Mwanza regions as leading with the highest numbers of individuals conducting illegal gas businesses.
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