Luanda, March 18, 2026 (Lusa) - Sonagas stated today that leaks in cooking gas cylinders in Angola result from inappropriate handling by transporters and that the company replaces more than 500 gas check valves per week.
"Leaks in gas cylinders occur due to inappropriate handling by transporters, such as when they are thrown onto the ground or on top of other cylinders and rocks," said Pedro de Sá, Director of Operations at Sonagás, a subsidiary of the state-owned Sonangol, as quoted by the Angolan news agency.
The company replaces, on average, more than 500 cylinder check valves. He revealed that during the post-filling process, when leaks are identified in the valves, they are removed and replaced with new ones. He advocated for better handling of the canisters to ensure user safety.
The Angolan Consumer Defence Association (Adecor) denounced on Tuesday the existence of expired cooking gas cylinders with leaks in the Angolan market, vowing to hold suppliers accountable for "omission and negligence." Adecor accused suppliers, primarily Sonagás, of negligence and criticised the "weak" oversight of the regulator, warning that several expired and leaking gas cylinders are circulating in the market, posing a danger to consumers.
The association's findings result from a study conducted in the provinces of Luanda, Huambo, and Cabinda since 15 January, with preliminary results presented today at a press conference in Luanda.
"Where is the requirement for practical compliance when there are various suppliers selling in locations without the proper conditions for these butane gas cylinders? (...) If gas cylinders only have a 10-year validity, why do several facilities grossly exceed this timeframe?" questioned Anacleto Celestino, coordinator of Adecor's Consumer Support Room.
Following various reports and complaints from consumers in these provinces, the official explained, the association found that several facilities are dedicated to selling gas cylinders under conditions of poor sanitation and safety.
This situation poses a danger to the physical integrity and lives of consumers and all participants in the distribution chain, Celestino said, highlighting that "a large part of the butane gas cylinders circulating" on the market are in such conditions.
DAS / RYOL // AYLS
Lusa
