Zera issues gas cylinder warning

Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has warned the public against the use of illegal liquefied gas cylinders (LP) on the back of increased demand for gas due to power cuts. In a statement, Zera urged LP gas cylinder manufacturers and distributors to get registered before starting operations. “The LP gas regulations compel LP gas cylinder manufacturers and distributors to be registered with Zera. So far there’re two distributors who have their cylinders tested and recommended in terms of LP gas standards,” said the regulator.

Zera said careless handling of LP gas cylinders could endanger human life.

“The cylinders hold a highly inflammable gas liquefied under pressure which can pose great danger to human life. Exploding of the gas also affects the environment.”

Environmental Management Authority (EMA) spokesperson Steady Kangata said due to increased power cuts, LP gas had become an alternative.

“Liquefied petroleum gas has become another power option as it is sold at low cost and one can use it anytime unlike electricity.

“However, we’ve had a lot of cases of people dying due to careless handling of the gas. Most people selling and handling the gas are not registered. This leads to a lot of unnecessary accidents,” he said.

Kangata urged all petroleum dealers to register with the authority to ensure safety measures were followed.

“Everyone who wants to sell petroleum gas must be registered. This enables us to do targeted inspections and offer training and advice on how best to handle the gas,” he said.

Zera is mandated to regulate the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of energy derived from any energy source.

The regulator is also mandated to maintain and promote effective competition within the energy industry and to exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect of the energy industry.