EWURA urges companies to step up inspections to curb gas tampering

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) Eastern Zone has called on companies involved in the cooking gas business in the country to conduct regular inspections to ensure cylinder safety and crack down on unscrupulous individuals who tamper with gas in cylinders.
Speaking to journalists after Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited (OGTL) conducted a successful operation in Kariakoo and Upanga that led to the arrest of individuals involved in gas tampering, EWURA Eastern Zone Manager, Engineer Nyirabu Musira, commended such initiatives and stressed that it is the duty of gas companies to ensure both cylinder safety and proper gas quantity.

“I urge all cooking gas companies to continue working with EWURA to monitor their gas cylinders, especially those weighing more than 16 kilogrammes, as these are commonly used in gas tampering. The regulations clearly state that it is the responsibility of companies to track these cylinders,” said Engineer Musira.
He added that EWURA has been cooperating with clean cooking energy companies to conduct routine inspections. Those operating without proper procedures and engaging in gas tampering face a fine of 20 million Tanzanian shillings or a three-year jail term—or both.

“We have been taking action against those conducting such businesses unlawfully, and what Oryx Gas and other stakeholders are doing is part of their responsibility, as their operating licences require them to ensure cylinder safety and compliance with the required gas quantity for each cylinder,” he explained.

Engineer Musira further stated that LPG regulatory guidelines require gas importers and distributors to track the ownership and usage of their cylinders and to ensure that their operations meet safety standards.

“These companies carry out operations in collaboration with EWURA officers and the Police Force. Through this partnership, we have made significant progress in combating gas tampering and penalising offenders,” he noted.

On his part, Oryx Gas Tanzania’s Sales Manager, Mr Shaban Fundi, said the company conducts frequent inspections and called on the government and its institutions to intensify efforts to curb gas tampering.
“We have been working hard to promote the use of clean energy, emphasising safe usage of clean cooking gas. We also want to ensure that customers receive accurate gas quantities. We are neither willing nor happy to see gas tampering happening. That’s why we undertake operations like this to curb such practices,” said Mr Fundi.

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He explained that when a gas cylinder is misused or filled improperly, it poses a danger to human life and undermines the efforts of both investors and the government in promoting the use of clean cooking energy.

“Today, we have arrested individuals who were tampering with gas, and we will continue these efforts. However, I must emphasise that we need the support of institutions like EWURA, the Weights and Measures Agency, and the Police to intensify joint efforts. Offenders must be brought to justice.”

He further explained that such illegal acts harm consumers, as the gas cylinders are not fully filled, and the refilling methods used are unsafe—posing a risk to users in case of accidents.

“At our filling stations, we follow a strict safety protocol to ensure the highest standards. But these individuals who steal and tamper with gas disregard all safety measures. Anything could happen—and we want to prevent that. That’s why we are taking these initiatives. However, we cannot do it alone; gas companies need joint support, and those caught must face strict legal action,” he stressed.

He named Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Mwanza as regions where some dishonest individuals have been conducting gas business unlawfully.
He also urged businesspeople to follow legal procedures and welcomed partnerships with Oryx Gas, saying the goal is to ensure Tanzanians use clean, safe cooking energy with the correct quantity as intended.