NALPGAM warns LPG operators against unsafe practices, illegal decanting

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has warned liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operators against unsafe handling practices, illegal decanting and unauthorised propane blending, urging stricter compliance with safety regulations to curb operational risks and protect consumers.

NALPGAM National President, Mr . Edu Inyang,  stated this at the association’s 2026 webinar, themed “Downstream LPG Operational Excellence and Compliance,”.

He said safer operations, preventive maintenance and the adoption of digital technologies had become critical to reducing product losses, protecting investments and building public confidence in Nigeria’s fast-growing LPG market.

Inyang, said expanding LPG supply without strengthening safety standards and operational efficiency would undermine the industry’s long-term growth.

“The future of Nigeria’s LPG industry cannot be achieved by increasing volumes alone. We must grow safely, responsibly, efficiently and sustainably. Safety is not an occasional campaign, it must become a continuous industry culture,” Inyang said.

Inyang said compliance should be viewed as a commercial advantage rather than an additional regulatory burden, noting that well-managed operations could reduce accidents, improve efficiency and safeguard investments.

“Compliance is not merely a regulatory burden; it is a business advantage. Well-managed LPG operations reduce accidents, improve efficiency, protect investments and strengthen public confidence in our industry,” he said.

Participants urged operators to make safety an integral part of their daily activities, strengthen preventive maintenance, comply with licensing and incident-reporting requirements, and eliminate practices capable of endangering workers, consumers and facilities.

Beyond safety and compliance, stakeholders identified digitalisation as a key tool for tackling operational losses and improving accountability across the LPG value chain.

They highlighted smart filling systems, automated tank gauges, load cells, flow meters and vehicle-tracking technologies as practical solutions for monitoring product movement, improving measurement accuracy and strengthening operational control.

NALPGAM also urged regulators and programme coordinators to involve its members in the implementation of LPG penetration and cylinder recirculation initiatives, citing their nationwide reach and proximity to consumers.

Inyang said the association remained committed to working with the government, regulators and other industry players to improve safety, operational efficiency and competitiveness across the domestic LPG market.

“Our aspiration is clear: every LPG facility must be safe and properly maintained, every operator competent and adequately trained, every process compliant, and every customer protected. This is the standard of operational excellence we must collectively pursue,” he said.

The association said sustained collaboration, stronger compliance and wider adoption of technology would be essential to building a safer and more efficient LPG industry.

Stakeholders called for greater industry participation in the Decade of Gas LPG penetration programme, alongside stronger collaboration to expand access, improve cylinder traceability and promote certified local manufacturing.

The webinar culminated with a call for the adoption of a proposed “NALPGAM Standard of Operational Excellence,” anchored on four principles: safe and well-maintained facilities, competent and adequately trained operators, regulatory compliance and customer protection.

The event brought together industry operators, regulators and other stakeholders to address safety risks, market volatility, operational inefficiencies and regulatory requirements.