The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has approved the release of 11,292.243 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imported by Tanzanian firm Lake Gas, marking its successful entry into Kenya’s competitive LPG market.
The consignment, from Lake Gas’s new 22,000-tonne facility in Kilifi, met stringent safety standards after initial concerns over low levels of ethyl mercaptan, an odorant critical for detecting gas leaks.
Kebs initially rejected the cargo, imported in June, due to insufficient ethyl mercaptan, which posed risks of undetected leaks that could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Following corrective measures by Lake Gas to dose the gas with adequate odorant levels, Kebs conducted tests , confirming compliance . “The client commenced implementation of the corrective action and updated Kebs on the progress,” the agency stated, ensuring the gas was safe for consumer use.
The release is a significant milestone for Lake Gas as it challenges Mombasa-based African Gas and Oil Limited (Agol), which dominates LPG imports with its 25,000-tonne facility. Kenya’s LPG consumption surged to 413,960 tonnes in 2024, up 14.8% from 360,590 tonnes in 2023, driven by growing adoption among households and businesses.
This demand has drawn interest from private firms and the Kenya Pipeline Company, aiming to reduce handling fees and lower LPG prices.
Despite the removal of VAT, Import Declaration Fee, and Railway Development Levy in July 2023, a 13-kilogramme LPG refill cost Sh3,141.30 in May 2025, slightly up from Sh3,125.40 in May 2023. The entry of Lake Gas is expected to enhance competition, potentially stabilizing prices and boosting affordability.
