Consumers have been advised to weigh liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders before purchasing them to ensure they receive the quantity of gas they are paying for, as authorities intensify efforts to protect buyers amid growing adoption of clean cooking energy.
The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) said all LPG retailers are legally required to have weighing scales verified by the agency, enabling customers to confirm the weight of cylinders before completing a purchase.
Speaking at the 49th Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition at the Dr John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Nzuguni, Dodoma, WMA Singida Regional Manager Willie Amosi said demand for cooking gas has risen steadily following government initiatives promoting the use of clean energy.
He said the agency's role is to ensure that LPG cylinders sold to consumers contain the quantity of gas indicated by manufacturers, safeguarding consumers from losses that may result from inaccurate measurements.
“Consumers have a right to verify that the gas they buy matches the weight indicated on the cylinder. The law requires retailers to provide WMA-certified weighing scales so that buyers can confirm the weight before taking the cylinder home,” Mr Amosi said.
He explained that LPG cylinders carry markings showing both the tare weight of the empty cylinder and the net weight of the gas inside.
Consumers can use these details to verify whether the total weight corresponds with the information provided by the supplier.
According to Mr Amosi, WMA conducts routine inspections of gas filling plants, distributors and retailers across the country to ensure compliance with measurement standards.
He noted that complaints related to underfilled domestic gas cylinders have declined in recent years due to tighter monitoring and enforcement.
However, he urged consumers not to assume that every cylinder contains the correct amount of gas without verification.
“Consumer participation is important. By checking the weight before purchase, buyers help protect their own interests while encouraging accountability throughout the supply chain,” he said.
Mr Amosi also warned retailers who do not have approved weighing scales to comply with the law, noting that WMA inspections are ongoing nationwide and that enforcement measures will be taken against businesses found violating the regulations.
He encouraged visitors to the Nane Nane exhibition to visit the WMA pavilion to learn more about consumer rights and the role of accurate measurements in ensuring fair trade.
As Tanzania continues to promote cleaner cooking solutions, WMA says accurate measurement remains a key safeguard in ensuring consumers receive value for money and maintaining confidence in the growing LPG market.