Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Zimbabwe (LPGSAZ) has said unsafe practices in the country’s fast-growing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector are putting consumers’ lives at risk.
This follows a series of gas explosions across the country, with the recent explosion of 20 gas cylinders at Mpandawana Growth Point in Gutu, which left one person seriously injured.
In a statement, the association’s chairperson, Mr Robert Mandeya, said the handling and distribution of LPG, a hazardous but increasingly popular energy source, is plagued by illegal operations, unsafe installations and unfair business practices.
“A lot of challenges are emerging in the distribution chain of this very important but hazardous product, putting the lives of consumers into potential danger whilst also promoting unfair business practices,” he said.
Mr Mandeya cited the rampant cross-filling of cylinders, overfilling of gas tanks and the sale of orphaned cylinders imported without integrity verification as some of the most pressing risks.
He also expressed concern over gas being sold in undesignated areas such as open-air stalls, homes and street corners.
“Some installations are non-compliant, including tipping of cylinders upside down and the addition of oil to force dispensing. Such practices expose consumers to serious safety hazards,” Mr Mandeya said.
He also pointed to price distortions, a heavy licensing regime and the proliferation of substandard appliances as factors undermining the industry.
Mr Mandeya urged the Government to complete and implement the draft amendment bill for the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Licensing & Compliance Regulations of 2023 and to tighten enforcement mechanisms.
“The industry should complement Government efforts by amplifying regulatory authorities’ work through the promotion of self-regulatory practices,” he said.
Mr Mandeya further called for tougher border controls to curb the smuggling of orphaned cylinders and the prosecution of offenders.
The warnings come as demand for LPG surges across households and commercial kitchens, with the association stressing that unless safety and compliance improve, the risks of accidents and unfair competition will continue to rise.
