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Tsitsi Tasaranarwo–Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has expressed concern over mushrooming liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas) filling posts, saying they must be registered to avoid accidents.
In a statement, Zera said it had banned unsafe gas cylinders which were being imported into the country.
“The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority wishes to advise the public that there are some 48kg cylinders that are being used unsafely and illegally for the distribution of LPG in the country,” it said.
“This includes 48kg cylinders smuggled from neighbouring countries and others whose brand identifications have been tampered with. Such cylinders are unsafe as no one in the country bears responsibility for their maintenance and safety.”
Zera advised people not to use brands of cylinders from Reatile, Wasaa, Tswana, Easigas, Totalgaz, Mendon, Oryx, Eiendon, Kasa, Avedia, ELF Gas and BP.
It said people should have licenses and measures will be taken to stop smuggling of gas cylinders.
“For safety reasons, members of the public and LPG retailers are warned against using such cylinders because their owners cannot be held liable for accidents arising out of unauthorised use of these cylinders in the country,” said Zera.
“Consumers are encouraged to approach licensed LPG wholesalers and retailers for good quality gas and safe cylinders.
“ZERA is working with fellow regulators to eliminate the menace of smuggled cylinders in the market and urges LPG retailers and consumers to report any LPG wholesaler they find filling or selling smuggled 48kg cylinders.”
Since 2014, there have been at least 14 incidents involving gas handling errors, five of which have happened that year alone.
To guarantee safety, gas cylinders should be repaired and revalidated every 10 years.
Online Reporter
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