tawandamusarurwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is set to clamp down on unlicensed liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dealers in order to eliminate trade in the highly combustible fuel.
The industry regulator has only licensed 700 LPG retailers and wholesalers countrywide.
Those found illegally selling LPG risk being imprisoned for up to five years or pay a US$600 fine (or the equivalent in local currency).
ZERA chief executive officer Mr Edington Mazambani said: “Those operating without licences commit many unsafe acts and are a danger to themselves and others.
“We currently have a total of 654 LPG retailers and a total of 49 LPG wholesale licencees.”
Unsafe gas cylinders
To be licensed to sell LPG, one must be cleared by the local authority, the fire department, the Environmental Management Agency and ZERA.
Recently, ZERA banned the use of unsafe gas cylinders that were being imported into the country.
The public was warned against using gas cylinder brands that include Reatile, Wasaa, Tswana, Easigas, Totalgaz, Mendon, Oryx, Eiendon, Kasa, Avedia, ELF Gas and BP.
“The authority advises the public who need to use branded 48kg LPG cylinders to approach licensed LPG wholesalers,” added Mr Mazambani.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter