Consumers have been urged to ensure cooking gas cylinders are weighed before purchase to avoid receiving less gas than the amount paid for, as the government moves to strengthen protection of buyers against unfair trade practices.
The call was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Weights and Measures Agency, Alban Kihulla, during a seminar for the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock held in Dodoma on May 13, 2026.
Kihulla said the agency verifies cooking gas cylinders sold across the country before they enter the market to ensure the quantities supplied meet the required standards.
He noted that the agency is responsible for supervising accuracy of measurements in various sectors, including energy.
However, he stressed that consumers also have a responsibility to protect themselves by insisting that gas cylinders be weighed in their presence before making payments.
“Before buying cooking gas, make sure the seller weighs the cylinder in front of you so you can confirm the quantity you are paying for. Avoid buying gas from sellers who do not have weighing scales because you may end up receiving less gas than indicated on the cylinder,” he said.
Kihulla explained that every cooking gas cylinder carries two key weight measurements that consumers should understand — Net Weight and Gross Weight.
He said Net Weight refers to the amount of gas contained in the cylinder, while Gross Weight refers to the combined weight of the gas and the empty cylinder itself.
According to him, buyers should compare the weight displayed on the scale with the total of the gas weight indicated on the cylinder plus the empty cylinder weight.
Any figure below the required total may indicate that the cylinder contains less gas than expected.
He said one of the major challenges facing consumers is the tendency to buy cooking gas without checking whether sellers have weighing scales or without confirming the actual weight before purchase.
Kihulla also warned against the common practice of sending bodaboda riders to purchase gas on behalf of customers, saying it limits consumers’ ability to personally verify the quantity received.
In addition to cooking gas, Kihulla said the agency also verifies roadside speed measuring devices used by traffic police officers to ensure accuracy and fairness to motorists.
He encouraged wananchi to report any suspected irregularities involving measurements so that the agency can take immediate action.
Through a video presentation during the seminar, Kihulla said the agency oversees proper measurement standards in sectors such as health, agriculture, mining, water, construction, energy, transport and infrastructure.
He further revealed that the agency is preparing to expand its operations into the communications sector by verifying the accuracy of internet bundles and mobile airtime offered by telecommunications companies.
The planned move, he said, aims to ensure consumers receive the exact amount of data and airtime they pay for without unfair deductions or unexplained losses before expiry.
