By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says more than 250 illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dealers were arrested this year as it steps up enforcement against unlicensed operators.
Speaking on a current affairs programme on a local radio station, ZERA Petroleum Engineer and Regional Compliance Officer Israel Kuchocha said those arrested had been charged and fined up to US$600 per offence.
“For 2026 this year, over 250 LPG illegal operators have been arrested and they’ve been charged and fined up to 600 US dollars per offence,” Kuchocha said.
He said illegal gas trading posed serious safety risks, particularly where operators lacked proper storage facilities, suitable equipment and trained personnel.
“LPG requires suitable storage and handling facilities and also appropriately trained people,” he said.
Kuchocha warned that bypassing regulatory procedures and safety inspections could increase the risk of fires, explosions, injuries, deaths and property damage. He also said unsuitable facilities could be ill-equipped to deal with emergencies such as gas leaks.
On compliance in the sector, Kuchocha said 53 LPG wholesalers were licensed in 2025, with all meeting the applicable compliance requirements.
“In terms of wholesalers, the statistics for 2025, the licensed wholesalers, we had about 53. And these guys, their compliance rate is 100%,” he said.
He said about 1,100 retailers were licensed during the same period, representing a compliance rate of 55 percent.
“It indicates that we still need to continue with enforcement work that we are doing as ZERA to ensure that every retail outlet operates legally,” Kuchocha said.
He added that ZERA conducted random inspections at LPG facilities to ensure that products met the required quality standards and consumers received value for their money.
Under the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 57 of 2014, wholesale, retail and related LPG activities must be conducted under a ZERA licence.
Kuchocha said prospective dealers had to secure suitable premises, obtain environmental and fire safety approvals and use certified installers during construction and installation.
Applicants must also undergo a pre-licensing inspection to establish whether their facilities comply with the relevant regulations and safety standards before a licence is issued.
He urged LPG operators to comply with licensing requirements as the authority continues its crackdown on illegal trading.
