NMDPRA Cracks Down On Illegal LPG Outlets In Delta State

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has intensified its efforts to ensure safety in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector by sealing 19 illegal cooking gas outlets in Delta State. These outlets, which lacked proper licenses and operated in unsafe locations, posed significant risks to lives and property, according to Mr. Victor Ohwodiasa, the state coordinator of NMDPRA.  

During the operation, which covered areas like Orerokpe, Ogwashi-Ukwu, and Warri, NMDPRA identified a total of 28 illegal outlets. These facilities, primarily categorized as Class D LPG operators, refill gas for customers from licensed plants but failed to meet regulatory standards. Some of the violations included proximity to high-tension cables, operating on rights of way, and constructing facilities in hazardous locations.  

For instance, a five-metric-tonne refilling plant in Ogwashi-Ukwu was sealed for being sited dangerously close to high-tension cables and along a roadside. The authority also uncovered illegal practices such as 'decanting'—a risky method of transferring gas from one cylinder to another—rather than the approved ‘bottle swap’ system.  

The crackdown is part of NMDPRA's commitment to ensuring that LPG operations are conducted in a safe and secure environment. Ohwodiasa emphasized that the exercise is not aimed at frustrating small-scale business owners but at protecting the lives of operators and residents. He warned of the catastrophic consequences of unsafe practices, such as storing gas near welding operations or food preparation areas.  

“Imagine someone storing cooking gas close to where welding operation is taking place or where a woman is frying beans cake or roasting corn. Once there is leakage, the resultant effect will be catastrophic,” Ohwodiasa explained.  

The NMDPRA has urged landlords to refrain from leasing land to unapproved operators and called on the public to report unsafe practices. The agency recently held a stakeholders’ engagement session to educate LPG operators on safety measures and regulatory compliance.  

The regulatory authority also issued a stern warning to defaulters to relocate their facilities or face prosecution. “If the operator of the illegal outlet does not appreciate his life, it is our duty to ensure that he does not kill himself and others,” Ohwodiasa stated.  

As the NMDPRA continues its operations in Delta State, the crackdown serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety and regulatory standards in the LPG sector. By fostering compliance and raising public awareness, the agency aims to reduce risks and promote a safer environment for all.

• Nmdpra
• lpg
• nigeria
• delta
• Lpg retailers

Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.