Oil & Gas

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has halted the clearance of 12,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imported by Tanzania’s Lake Oil Ltd, citing safety concerns. KEBS stated that the gas lacked the required level of ethyl mercaptan, a critical odorant that helps users detect leaks. This absence violates the KS 91:2022 standard, which demands sufficient odorant for consumer safety.

KEBS Coast Regional Manager Hilda Korir explained that the entire consignment will remain blocked until independent testing verifies the odorant levels. In a letter dated June 12, 2025, Korir described the gas as "unfit for consumer use" and called for a full investigation. The standard odorant gives the gas a rotten egg-like smell, essential for detecting leaks, which are a major safety risk if unnoticed.

Lake Oil Ltd, owned by Tanzanian billionaire Ally Awadh, responded by stating that they have complied with KEBS directives by adding the required odorant. The company had recently launched a 22,000-tonne LPG facility in Kilifi, and this shipment marked its maiden delivery. General Manager Morris Mutiso reassured customers that safety remains a top priority and that the gas is currently under final KEBS inspection for approval.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has emphasized that cooking gas accidents often stem from illegal refilling and poor handling, but are preventable. EPRA urges the public to buy LPG only from authorized dealers and inspect safety seals. These regulatory efforts show Kenya’s commitment to protecting consumers from substandard gas products, even from high-profile regional suppliers.