Kenya: Govt Steps Up Crackdown On Illegal LPG Trade

Nairobi — The Kenyan government has intensified efforts to combat illegal LPG refilling and trading, aiming to reduce safety risks associated with unregulated gas cylinders. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that illegal LPG operations pose a significant public safety concern, citing previous fires caused by illegally traded or refilled cylinders.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), in collaboration with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), is taking action to locate and seize such cylinders. Upon confiscation, the cylinders are documented through inventory taking witnessed by EPRA, the police, and the operator involved.

Operators are given the chance to present their case before any administrative or legal action is taken. The government also intends to implement a tracking system for LPG cylinders throughout the supply chain, including serialization, to enhance accountability and deter illegal refilling and trading. While the procurement of this system is ongoing, the government remains committed to enforcement, despite opposition from affected businesses.

The crackdown will persist until full compliance is achieved. As demand for LPG rises in Kenya, stricter regulation of the sector becomes increasingly necessary. EPRA data reveals that LPG consumption rose to 414,861 metric tonnes in the year ending June 2025, a 15 percent increase from 360,594 tonnes in 2023. Per capita consumption reached 7.9 kilogrammes in 2024/25, up from 7.0 kilogrammes in 2023.

LPG consumption continued to grow, reaching 251,425 metric tonnes between July and December 2025, up 14.59 percent from 219,416 tonnes in the same period in 2024.