- NMDPRA Clampdown: The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority (NMDPRA) has commenced a clampdown on illegal retailers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Akwa Ibom state.
- Illegal Decanting: The authority frowns upon the practice of decanting gas from cylinder to cylinder, deeming it illegal and punishable by law.
- Enforcement and Registration: NMDPRA urges gas plant owners to stop loading gas to unlicensed individuals and encourages product marketers to register or renew their licenses.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority (NMDPRA) has begun a crackdown on illegal retailers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Akwa Ibom state. This move aims to curb the unsafe practice of decanting gas from cylinder to cylinder, which is both illegal and hazardous.
According to Mr. Ikechukwu Eseka, Coordinator of NMDPRA, the authority is committed to enforcing the law and stopping illegal activities by LPG retailers. To achieve this, NMDPRA has commenced engagement with individuals and organizations using storage tanks over 500 liters to register with the authority.
The authority has implemented several measures to address the issue. License registration is required for gas plant owners and product marketers. Safety precautions, such as fire extinguishers and detectors, are also mandatory at gas plants. Additionally, the authority is collaborating with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to address indiscriminate decanting of LPG.
The clampdown is expected to affect illegal LPG retailers adversely, prompting calls for the authority to handle cases with sensitivity to avoid causing hardship to the public. Mr. Bakshar Hussaini, the State Commandant of NSCDC, urged caution, citing environmental hazards from illegal gas sales.
