By Connect Stories Africa Reporter
Gweru, Zimbabwe – The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed traders of Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas, as the substance becomes an increasingly popular alternative to electricity during ongoing power shortages.
With regular power outages and the rising cost of firewood, many Zimbabweans are turning to LP gas for cooking and heating.
However, the increased demand has led to the proliferation of unlicensed retailers, raising concerns about public safety.
According to the EMA, such illegal operations pose significant risks, as LP gas is a highly flammable and hazardous substance.
Osward Ndlovu, EMA’s Midlands Environmental Education and Publicity Officer, expressed alarm over the growing number of illegal gas traders in the region. “We have observed that several Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail stations have been set up in shopping centers across the Midlands province without the necessary hazardous substances and storage licenses. This is a serious concern, as LPG is a dangerous material that requires strict safety protocols for its transportation, storage, and sale,” Ndlovu stated.
Under Zimbabwean law, specifically Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018, the manufacture, storage, sale, transportation, or distribution of hazardous substances like LP gas must only be conducted under a license issued by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
This regulation is intended to ensure safety in handling such dangerous materials. Furthermore, LPG retail operations must also meet stringent safety standards, with approval from local authorities, fire departments, and EMA.
Ndlovu further urged both traders and consumers to prioritize safety, advising users to regularly service their gas cylinders and ensure they are using equipment that meets safety standards. “LP gas is inherently risky, and it is crucial that both sellers and users follow all safety guidelines to prevent accidents,” he added.
In addition to EMA’s efforts, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is also carrying out similar operations to curb illegal trading of LP gas nationwide.
In 2023 alone, ZERA prosecuted 70 illegal operators for conducting business without the necessary licenses. In 2022, the number was even higher, with over 200 illegal traders facing legal action for the same offense.
The coordinated efforts by EMA and ZERA are part of ongoing regulatory measures aimed at maintaining public safety while also ensuring that legitimate traders comply with national safety standards.
As the demand for LP gas continues to grow, both agencies are stepping up enforcement to prevent further proliferation of unlicensed operations and to safeguard the public from potential hazards associated with unsafe gas handling practices.