FRIDAY- 8^th October 2021: The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has warned against the use of substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders smuggled into the country. 
Speaking in this regard, the Head of LPG, SON, Mr. William Okpeh in his presentation at a workshop organised for energy journalists in Lagos, yesterday said cylinders should not be imported into the country. 
In the same vein, the agency classified LPG cylinders as a life-endangering product, adding that all LPG cylinders must conform to the standards set by the agency.
Okpeh, who was represented at the event by a principal standards engineer, Mr. Ayiti Akinwale further added, "LPG cylinders must be identified with manufacturer’s or importer’s name/logo. Imported LPG cylinders must have SON registration number for traceability. Locally produced LPG cylinders must have MANCAP number for traceability.
“All LPG cylinders must be re-qualified every five years. Expiry dates of cylinders shall be engraved or embossed on all cylinders (15 years’ life span).”
He also stated that all LPG cylinders must carry a statement of  requalification on them.
Okpeh also highlighted the lack of adherence to safety procedures in terms of distribution, storage and use, as well as the unavailability of cylinder test stations in the country.
He said, “LPG will continue to play an increasingly important role in the future with rising income as well as growing awareness about the convenience and health benefits for as long as crude exploration continues.
He then advised that compliance to the standards set is key in ensuring global relevance and sustainability.
The Director-General of SON, Mr Farouk Salim, also added that the agency would continue to work with the regulators in the oil and gas industry to address the challenges in the LPG sub-sector.