ERC, NTSA in petroleum transport regulation partnership

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)  has forged a partnership with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA)  to ensure  regulation and licensing of bulk  petroleum tankers.

Speaking in Nakuru during a sensitization workshop for petroleum, renewable and electricity sub sectors, ERC Director General Eng. Joe Nganga said that the partnership aims at ensuring drivers of such tankers have valid permits.

He noted that the move will go a long way in bringing sanity in the bulk petroleum transportation sector.

The ERC director said that although self regulation was the best practice, competition in the petroleum sector was to blame for acts like diversion of petroleum products meant for export  into the domestic market and adulteration of motor fuels with domestic kerosene.

Police have been blamed for colluding with illegal fuel dealers at the expense of consumers’ safety.

Ng’ang’a said that some officers have been reported to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for action.

He noted that retailers have been victims of such malpractices.

In connection with the recent inferno in an alleged illegal fuel siphoning at a go-down in Nakuru last week, Ng’ang’a said that ERC’s technical officers established that an export bound fuel tanker caught fire exposing members of the public and surrounding businesses to risk.

He said that they have managed to close down three illegal fuel siphoning depots in Nakuru and that the exercise will continue until all illegal fuel dealers are dealt with.

Ng’ang’a said that ERC will continue monitoring fuel prices in the market to ensure petroleum dealers conform to the set prices as per regulations.