EPRA Meets Stakeholders Over New Regulations to Ensure Fair Pricing
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- February 19, 2021
EPRA Kenya has just concluded the Kisumu Stakeholder Consultative Workshop on the eleven (11) Draft Petroleum Regulations, which are available on the EPRA Kenya’s website on>> https://bit.ly/2NAQaac.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is reviewing the legislative framework that regulates petroleum activities and is rooting for you and the country to benefit more through fair pricing and products that meet high standards.
It is seeking consensus from players in the industry over new proposed regulations to also ensure you have predictable supply of petroleum products. Unlike before where the country has experienced sudden supply disruptions, EPRA is keen to ensure through these rafts of rules, such occurrences are a thing of the past.
Participants at the workshop
The workshop drew participation from petroleum stakeholders, Consumer Associations from Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Kisumu and the surrounding counties.
The draft regulations, which are in line with the changes occasioned by the Energy Act 2019 and Petroleum Act 2019, are also meant to enhance compliance and gradually reduce or eradicate cases of unscrupulous traders of sub-standard petroleum products or those that put up illegal structures. Conserving the environment is also a key consideration for the regulations.
To have sector players understand the rationale for the proposed rules, nationwide sensitization and consultative sessions are underway before the next stages of validation. EPRA held the first forum in Nanyuki town, Laikipia county, thereafter in Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, and eventually Nairobi at the end of this month.
“The proposed regulations will improve petroleum supply and distribution logistics in the country and ensure that only prudently incurred costs are passed onto consumers,” says Acting Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
The regulations, he adds, also consider supply and distribution logistics even in instances when we experience serious disruptions in the supply chain. As a result, supply and distribution of petroleum in the country will be undertaken more sustainably.
Kiptoo also noted that EPRA remains focused on developing regulations aimed at empowering players in the energy sector and protecting consumers. “The proposed regulations provide for stiffer penalties and fines for offenders to bolster compliance levels, ultimately protecting consumers from substandard petroleum products and ensuring they get value for money.”
Stakeholders are urged to submit comments at EPRA’s headquarters, regional offices or through email at [email protected].
