The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as restated the banned cylinder-to-cylinder gas refilling and decanting as part of efforts to prevent fire disaster as well as protect lives and properties of people.
It warned during a one-day sensitisation meeting in Yola the danger of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail outlets against taking such risks.
Operations Controller, Yola DPR Office, Sadeq Ibrahim said: “LPG cylinder to cylinder re-bottling, refilling and decanting is prohibited by Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
The transfilling of the resources are not allowed and is against the DPR regulations and requirements because the business is highly hazardous and a threat to lives and property of the people.’’
Ibrahim, who noted that the department has recorded many fire outbreaks across the country as a result of poor handling and unsafe cylinder to cylinder gas refilling process, advised the retailers to find a way to improve their businesses as the department has no intent to push them out of the business.
He said that among the roles of the gas retailers as stated in the DPR regulations was to sell a full gas cylinder, either through cylinder exchange or a new one.
He added: “All gas retailers in the state are advised to provide protection safety facilities to their workers and the shop.
“Also, the retailers outlets are advised to register with the DPR to obtain approved licence.”