Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has raised concerns over illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) trading, warning that unregulated operators could expose consumers to safety risks while undermining legitimate businesses in the gas retail sector.
Illegal LPG has serious consequences for consumer safety, business competitiveness, government revenue and the regulation of the energy sector. The concerns are particularly important as gas retailers call for stronger laws to protect legitimate operators and consumers.
This was revealed during the 2026 Pre-Strategy Review Meeting Workshop – Stakeholder Consultation and Feedback hosted by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) in Bulawayo.
Speaking at the event, CPC representative Ms Onnah Sibanda said that despite LPG blitz operations, there was still a challenge of those operating illegally.
“Despite LPG Blitz operations, illegal gas trading remains a challenge as unlicensed dealers continue operating, creating safety and consumer risks, with some selling gas at their residential homes. “ZERA has to look into this.
“There is limited prevention of unsafe energy practices; this suggests that further work is needed to translate safety education and regulation into consistent compliance,” she said.
She said ZERA needs to strengthen its monitoring of the Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZETDC) to ensure that consumers are reconnected promptly after meeting the required reconnection conditions.
Ms Sibanda also highlighted that some fuel stations may not consistently enforce safety rules such as prohibiting the dispensing of fuel into inappropriate plastic containers, calling on the authority to look into it.
She added: “Consumers complain of landlords that have illegal electricity connections from houses to fowl runs. There is also continued sale of poor-quality fuel and insufficient physical testing and verification of solar products is also another challenge. All these need ZERA to look into them.”
Ms Sibanda said CPC recommends rigorous and joint enforcement by all stakeholders like the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), councils and police, among others to make sure that consumers are safe by promoting safe environments and protection from unscrupulous businesses.
She said continuous education and awareness were critical to make sure that consumers are informed and can be bold to report cases of consumer violations such as illegal gas sellers and illegal electricity connections, among others.
“Continuous collaboration with Trade Measures for the calibration of scales so that the gas sellers and fuel stations do not shortchange consumers is important.
“Collaborations with CPC on enforcement of consumer rights, blitz operations with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Department of Immigration, police, army and ZERA among others to curb the flow of counterfeits into our country and frequent market surveillance so that they observe what is happening in the market is needed urgently,” she said.
“ZERA should make more use of digital awareness on different social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp to enhance consumer education online by sharing their success stories.”
Ms Sibanda called for the establishment of a clear follow-up system between CPC and ZERA to track referred complaints and ensure that they are resolved on time.
She said the collaboration between ZERA and the Consumer Protection Commission is important in promoting consumer rights and ensuring fairness in the energy sector.
“While ZERA has made positive strides in fuel quality testing, LPG blitz operations and solar product regulation, there are still areas that require improvement.
“These include delays in electricity reconnections, illegal LPG trading, solar product testing and timely resolution of consumer complaints.
“Strengthening collaboration, improving enforcement and increasing consumer awareness will help both institutions address these challenges and ensure better protection for consumers,” she added.
