Government Vows to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal LPG Trade

By John Toris 

The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, has issued a firm statement reassuring the public that the government will not back down in its fight against illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operations.
PHOTO: Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi addressing members of the media today in Nairobi 

Speaking to the media today, CS Wandayi emphasized that the crackdown on illicit LPG refilling and trade will be intensified until full compliance is achieved. This comes after the government launched a new set of regulations aimed at making LPG safer and more accessible to Kenyans.

"The Cabinet in October 2023 approved the LPG National Growth Strategy meant to transition the populace from the use of biomass to the use of LPG which is cleaner," Wandayi stated. He explained that one of the main goals of this strategy is to stop illegal refilling, which poses a serious threat to public safety.

The new rules, known as the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) (No. 2) Regulations, 2025, were published in November last year. They require all LPG businesses to have valid licenses and to clearly brand their cylinders. Only the official brand owners are now allowed to refill and trade in these cylinders.

To help with this, the government is planning to set up a central LPG cylinder tracking system. This system will track all purchases and sales to bring more transparency to the market. "The procurement of the system will be done in line with Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act... and for avoidance of doubt such a process is far from completion," the CS clarified.

He also addressed the recent arrest of illegal LPG operators, explaining that due process is always followed. When illegally refilled cylinders are found, inventory is taken in the presence of the Authority, the Police, and the operator. The operator is then given a fair hearing before any action is taken.

In his address, CS Wandayi also mentioned that the government is expanding the common import system to include LPG, Heavy Fuel Oil, and Bitumen, similar to what has been done for petrol and diesel over the last 23 years. He noted that this system has helped keep prices and quality stable.

The Cabinet Secretary had strong words for those trying to disrupt the enforcement efforts. "LPG safety is paramount to the consumer and for this reason we urge politicians to refrain from attacks to public officers and law enforcement agencies legitimately performing their duties as required by Law," he said.

He concluded with a clear message to those profiting from the illegal trade. "I wish to assure the public that Government will not succumb to pressure from politicians and cartels hellbent to benefit from LPG illicit trade," Wandayi declared. "The crackdown on illegal LPG operations will be intensified until full compliance is achieved."

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