The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has warned retailers in Akwa Ibom against transferring cooking gas from one cylinder to another, a practice known as decanting.
The agency’s state coordinator, Ikechukwu Eseka, issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting at NMDPRA’s field office in Eket on Wednesday. He stressed that decanting is illegal and poses serious safety risks.
Cylinder-to-cylinder refilling is illegal
Eseka emphasised that refilling gas from one cylinder to another is strictly prohibited and warned retailers to stop the practice immediately.
“LPG cylinder to cylinder rebottling, refilling, and decanting is criminal and thus prohibited,” Eseka told stakeholders.
Gas retail outlets must follow safety rules
To prevent accidents, NMDPRA has set strict guidelines for gas retail outlets. According to Eseka:
- Gas shops must not be located near flammable areas such as motor parks, welding shops, mechanic workshops, bars, or restaurants.
- Retail outlets should be at least 10 metres from roads and 15 metres from any source of fire.
- Gas shops must not be built under high-tension wires.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service, who also educated retailers on the dangers of unsafe gas handling.
Gas retailers urged to comply with regulations
The chairman of the Akwa Ibom Gas Retailers Union, Mr. Itoro Urom, said that while the union is working to ensure compliance, many operators still break the rules. Eseka urged the union to seek support from the Akwa Ibom government under its SME programme to transition to safer gas exchange systems.
Nationwide crackdown on unsafe gas outlets
NMDPRA has been shutting down unsafe gas and fuel outlets across the country. Last month:
- 19 cooking gas outlets in Delta State were sealed due to safety violations.
- Seven fuel stations in Kogi State were closed for breaking regulations.
- Two filling stations and a gas plant in Ogun State were shut down for operating illegally and under-dispensing fuel.
What you should know
- NMDPRA is responsible for licensing oil and gas operators and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- The agency has raised concerns over widespread violations of safety rules by cooking gas retailers.
With this warning, the NMDPRA hopes to prevent gas-related accidents and ensure safer operations in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
