The new regulations which are said to be pushed for by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) may end up fueling conflicts between the body and the suppliers of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The implementation for the new rules was set to take place with effect from January 1, 2020, but the deadline seems to be dragging ahead following misunderstandings. EPRA has already refused advances by Energy Dealers Association (EDA) who are pushing to have the implementation withheld for another six months.
2019 Petroleum Act is insisting that all retailers, wholesalers and transporters for LPG products must be in possession of licences, for every location of their business. In addition, the retailers must have a written consent from all brand owners.
Previously, EDA the biggest market controller boasting of over 30 brands countrywide, proposed that the new regulation be put on hold until sometime around June.
The Secretary-General for EDA Kepher Odongo pointed out how January implementation was impossible, claiming that majority of the retailers were yet to be issued with the relevant documents from EPRA in addition to pending County licences and permits.
"Why finish the common civilian at foreign countries expense? Traders cannot be subjected to acquiring documents from other agencies who then sit on them first. We shall go all over in parliament, law courts or even mobilizing demonstrations all over the nation," said Kepher.
Responding on behalf of EPRA, the Director-General Pavel Oimeke stated that there won't be further extension instead urging members to ensure compliance as per the gazetted notice.
"Pursuant to section 73, 2019 Petroleum Act, an attention is hereby drawn to you as per the above clause which directs that all Petroleum Business Licences applications be processed within 30 days of receipt. All applications for LPG cylinders licences received have been processed with the stipulated deadlines," read an EPRA letter to Odongo as seen by Nation.