Mobile LP Gas Fillers Risk Imprisonment - ZERA
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has warned against the mobile sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) saying such conduct is criminal and potentially dangerous.
ZERA head of petroleum department Engineer Andrew Guri said the sale of LP gas can only be done by licenced companies from premises approved by local authorities, fire departments and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
Engineer Guri warned unlicensed LP gas dealers that they risk imprisonment of up to five years or fine or both. He said:
In terms of Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 57 of 2014, LPG wholesale and retail activities can only be conducted under ZERA licence granted to companies with physical facilities approved by relevant local authorities, fire departments and EMA.
Mobile filling of LPG does not meet safety requirements for licensing since this activity can be carried out anywhere including unsafe places.
… The illegal practice exposes consumers and property to the risk of fire considering that the dealers are unable to use correct filling methods.
He said unlicensed LPG mobile fillers pose a serious safety hazard not only to themselves but to their customers and members of the public.
Further, unlicensed LPG dealers use unapproved equipment and can under or overfill cylinders to the disadvantage of customers.
Engineer Guri urged members of the public to report people moving around to fill consumers’ cylinders without licences.
