Epra Loses Appeal Over Seized Gas Cylinders in Narok

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has failed in its attempt to reverse a tribunal ruling that mandated the release of gas cylinders seized from Rihal Energy Company Ltd in Narok. The High Court affirmed the Energy and Petroleum Tribunal’s decision, stating that Epra did not sufficiently demonstrate regulatory violations against the company.

The dispute originated from an inspection at Rihal Energy’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facility on October 19, 2024, when Epra officers reportedly discovered various cylinders with different brand markings being loaded onto two vehicles. The court emphasized that the mere presence of these cylinders did not automatically indicate regulatory breaches.

The case highlights the regulatory challenges surrounding the handling of cooking gas cylinders, with industry reports indicating potential price increases due to Middle East supply disruptions.