Sonagas Replaces 500 Gas Cylinder Valves Weekly as Consumer Group Warns of Expired and Leaking Cylinders in Angola
Sonagas, a subsidiary of Sonangol, stated on Wednesday that leaks in cooking gas cylinders are primarily caused by improper handling during transportation, rather than manufacturing defects or filling processes.
The company disclosed that it replaces more than 500 gas cylinder check valves each week as part of routine safety and quality control measures.
According to Pedro de Sá, Director of Operations at Sonagas, leaks typically occur when cylinders are mishandled by transporters such as being dropped onto the ground or stacked improperly on other cylinders or hard surfaces.
He explained that during post-filling inspections, any cylinder found with a leaking valve is immediately removed from circulation and fitted with a new component before distribution.
The company emphasized the importance of proper handling practices across the supply chain to ensure consumer safety and maintain product integrity.
The statement comes in response to concerns raised by the Angolan Consumer Defense Association (Adecor), which recently reported the presence of expired and leaking cooking gas cylinders in the national market.
The association warned that suppliers could be held accountable for what it described as negligence and inadequate safety controls.
Adecor also criticized regulatory oversight, arguing that enforcement mechanisms remain insufficient to guarantee compliance with safety standards.
The organization stated that its findings are based on a study conducted since January 15 in the provinces of Luanda, Huambo, and Cabinda, with preliminary results presented during a press conference in Luanda.
During the briefing, Anacleto Celestino, coordinator of Adecor’s Consumer Support Office, questioned compliance practices within the sector.
He raised concerns about the sale of butane gas cylinders in facilities lacking appropriate safety conditions and highlighted cases where cylinders appear to exceed their standard operational lifespan of approximately 10 years.
Such practices, he argued, undermine consumer protection and increase safety risks.
The association further reported that, based on consumer complaints and field inspections, several retail outlets were found operating in unsanitary or unsafe conditions.
These conditions, according to Adecor, pose significant risks not only to consumers but also to workers and distributors involved in the handling and transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Industry stakeholders acknowledge that safe cylinder management including proper storage, transport, maintenance and timely replacement is critical to preventing accidents and ensuring the reliability of the domestic gas supply chain.
As demand for cooking gas continues to grow in urban and peri-urban areas, maintaining strict safety standards across the distribution network remains a key operational and regulatory priority in Angola.
