The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has unveiled a plan to introduce maximum retail prices for cooking gas starting October 2025.
This move is expected to shield Kenyans from unpredictable and often high market prices that have made cooking gas costly for households.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo said the authority has already put in place the necessary legal and regulatory framework to roll out the plan.
He noted that discussions with key industry stakeholders are ongoing, especially around the Open Tender System (OTS), which will be used for importing large quantities of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
“The framework is already ready, the OTS agreement has been developed and negotiated with the industry. What remains is working out a transition plan and ensuring that Oil Marketing Companies sign on to the agreement,” Kiptoo explained.
The new system will involve centralized importation of gas and the use of shared facilities. This approach is expected to cut costs, improve efficiency, and allow EPRA to set maximum retail prices that protect consumers from being exploited.
Kiptoo further revealed that the government could also partner with other countries to directly import cooking gas, similar to the arrangements already in place for oil and petroleum products. This, he said, would help Kenya secure reliable and affordable supplies.
“We have also started talks with suppliers and are working to determine how the first OTS will run. We must also recognize that private imports are currently happening, so we need a proper transition plan to avoid disruptions. Our aim is to roll this out before the year ends,” he added.
Besides cooking gas, EPRA is considering extending the centralized purchasing system to two other key products: Heavy Fuel Oil, mainly used to power ships, and bitumen, which is widely used in road construction and waterproofing projects.
Through the OTS model, oil companies will compete by submitting bids, and those offering the lowest prices will be awarded contracts to import the products. Once imported, the products will be distributed to other companies and eventually reach consumers at controlled prices.
EPRA emphasized that having a centralized point for imports and common-user facilities will significantly lower costs for businesses and consumers while also allowing the regulator to set fair maximum retail prices.
At the same time, the authority has issued a stern warning to illegal gas dealers. Under the new rules, any company or individual caught running unauthorized LPG businesses risks having their licenses revoked.
EPRA stressed that this crackdown is meant to make the industry safer, reduce accidents, and promote better health and economic benefits associated with clean cooking gas.
Kiptoo also highlighted the role of technology in improving safety and accountability. He said that all of the 4.7 million cylinders distributed by Proto Energy already have barcodes, which can be scanned to track their use.
EPRA’s plan is to integrate this system nationally, making it possible to monitor all cylinders in circulation and ensure compliance across the country.
With these new measures, Kenyans are expected to enjoy lower cooking gas prices, improved safety, and a more transparent system that benefits both households and businesses.
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