A cooking gas cargo in Kenya imported by Tanzania’s Lake Gas Limited has been declared unfit for use by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), in a major regulatory setback that threatens regional trade ties. The cargo, which docked in Mombasa, failed critical safety checks due to insufficient levels of ethyl mercaptan—the chemical that gives LPG its warning smell..
What Happened
- In a June 12, 2025 letter, KEBS Coast regional manager Hilda Keror confirmed that the 12,000-tonne liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargo had insufficient ethyl mercaptan—the odorant that produces the telltale “rotten egg” smell for leak detection
- Without adequate odorant, the cargo posed serious safety risks—leaks could go unnoticed, leading to potential fires or explosions .
- KEBS firmly rejected the shipment, demanding independent lab verification before any approval for retail distribution
Who Is Affected
- Lake Gas Limited, part of Tanzania’s Lake Oil Group, was introducing its first LPG consignment through its new Kilifi County facility
- The company aims to compete with Kenya’s dominant LPG supplier, Africa Gas and Oil Limited, which currently controls nearly 90% of Mombasa’s import capacity .
- Kenya’s LPG consumption has surged—reaching 413,960 tonnes in 2024, up from 360,590 tonnes in 2023—as more households transition to cooking gas over charcoal or kerosene
Broader Implications
- The shipment rejection underscores Kenya’s commitment to strict energy and safety standards amid rapidly growing LPG usage
- This is not Lake Gas’s first regulatory challenge: the company has faced criticism over environmental permits, community consent, and port safety near Kilifi
- Historically, LPG imports from Tanzania have sparked diplomatic tensions, with past bans citing safety concerns tied to adulterated products
What Comes Next
- Lake Gas must submit proof of adequate ethyl mercaptan levels via independent lab testing to obtain KEBS clearance.
- Meanwhile, Kenyan regulators are monitoring other LPG cargoes for compliance with the KS 91:2022 standard to avoid consumer hazards.
The blocked cooking gas cargo in Kenya highlights the country’s firm stance on consumer protection amid rising LPG demand. As Kenya strengthens its safety standards and regulatory vigilance, energy firms must prioritize compliance or risk costly market exclusions. In the face of rising competition and cross-border trade, only safe, certified gas will win Kenyan households’ trust.
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