NMDPRA cracks down on LPG decanting, threatens sanctions against defaulters

By James Ogunnaike

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a stern warning to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers operating in Ogun State, declaring that any operator found breaching safety regulations, through illegal decanting practices, will face strict sanctions.

The Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Dr Akinyemi Atilola, gave the warning in Abeokuta, during the authority’s first quarterly stakeholders’ engagement with LPG retailers in 2026.

Atilola stressed that while retailers remain critical to the Federal Government’s gas expansion drive, safety must never be compromised.

He said, “LPG retailers are key to achieving the Federal Government’s gas deepening agenda because they serve as the last-mile link to end users. However, this business must be conducted in strict adherence to safety standards and global best practices,” he said.

Speaking on the theme “Gas Deepening and Expansion: Hazards Associated with Gas Category D Business,” Atilola explained that LPG retailers fall under Category D operations, which are designed strictly for cylinder exchange commonly referred to as the drop-and-pick model.

He expressed concern that many operators have deviated from this model, engaging instead in decanting, the transfer of gas from one cylinder to another.

“What we observed, and what raised serious concern, is that some Category D operators are involved in decanting. This practice is highly unsafe and poses significant risks, not only to operators but also to customers, surrounding markets and the environment,” he warned.

According to him, decanting can result in overfilled cylinders, gas leaks, fire outbreaks and even explosions.

“Category D is not meant for decanting. It is specifically for a system where customers drop empty cylinders and pick up already-filled ones. Any deviation from this constitutes a safety breach,” he added.

Atilola made it clear that the authority would no longer tolerate violations, noting that enforcement actions, including sealing of outlets would be intensified.

“We will not pretend not to see breaches. The authority will not hesitate to sanction erring operators. Already, about five outlets were sealed last year, and we will continue to shut down non-compliant facilities,” he stated.

He disclosed that Ogun State has over 600 LPG cylinder operators, emphasising the need for strict compliance across the board.

While reiterating the authority’s commitment to enforcing regulations, Atilola noted that NMDPRA is also mindful of the economic importance of the sector.

“We recognise that many people depend on this business for their livelihood. We are not out to take away their means of income, but we cannot allow unsafe practices. Our goal is to educate and guide operators toward safe and compliant operations,” he said.

He added that operators willing to comply with established guidelines would be duly licensed.

“If they follow the rules, we are ready to license them. But unsafe operations will not earn our approval,” he stressed.

The NMDPRA boss also raised concerns over the indiscriminate siting of LPG businesses in residential areas, warning that such practices would not be tolerated.

He outlined strict requirements for siting gas facilities, including minimum space, ventilation standards, and storage limits.

“There must be at least a three-by-four metre space, proper ventilation, and operators must not store more than 500 kilograms of gas. Most importantly, such facilities must not be located within residential buildings,” he said.

He condemned unsafe storage practices such as keeping gas cylinders in living rooms or near sensitive locations.

“Storing gas under beds, inside homes, or near schools and hospitals is strictly prohibited. Such practices endanger lives and will not be approved,” he warned.

In their remarks, Chairman of the LPG Retailers branch of NUPENG in Ogun State, Mr Ogunkoya Abiodun, alongside the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Engr Raifu Oyedele, commended NMDPRA for its support toward the growth of the gas sector.

They, however, called for increased collaboration, particularly in training and continuous sensitisation of operators.

A 10-point communique issued at the end of the engagement emphasised collective responsibility for safety in the sector.

The stakeholders unanimously agreed that any operator found engaging in unsafe practices, especially decanting, should face appropriate sanctions.

The engagement forms part of NMDPRA’s ongoing efforts to promote safe LPG usage while advancing Nigeria’s gas expansion agenda under the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative.

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