The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a stern warning to cooking gas retailers in Akwa Ibom State, condemning the practice of transferring gas from one cylinder to another, also known as decanting.
The warning was delivered by the NMDPRA Coordinator in the state, Ikechukwu Eseka, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the authority’s field office in Eket on Wednesday.
Eseka emphasised that decanting LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is illegal and poses serious safety hazards.
He further stated that gas retail outlets should avoid locations near motor parks, mechanic workshops, welding shops, and other high-risk areas, ensuring a minimum distance of 10 metres from roads and 15 metres from ignition sources. Retail shops should also not be situated under high-tension power lines.
The meeting included representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service, alongside an awareness session for stakeholders.
While the State Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Gas Retailers Union, Mr Itoro Urom, recognised the union’s efforts to ensure compliance, he admitted that many operators continue to violate safety regulations.
In response, Eseka urged the union to seek assistance from the Akwa Ibom government through the state’s SME scheme to promote safer LPG exchange systems.
NMDPRA has ramped up its enforcement of safety measures for cooking gas outlets.
Recently, the agency sealed 19 cooking gas outlets in Delta State due to safety violations.
Additionally, seven fuel stations in Kogi State were shut down for non-compliance with safety regulations, and two filling stations, along with a gas plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, were also closed for infractions such as under-dispensing fuel and operating without approval.
