Liquigas has, with immediate effect, suspended the supply of its cylinders to a number of distributors.

The move follows receipt of evidence which showed illegal and unregulated filling of LPG cylinders at a third party site, the company said in a statement.

It said the evidence, which was collected over a period of time, showed a number of distributors filling cylinders in a way that infringed safety and industry practice.

The distributors involved were formally notified and Liquigas forwarded the necessary evidence to the police and relevant authorities to enable them to investigate the matter further.

"We took this step because we cannot allow the safety of Liquigas customers, or the public to be compromised in any way by such unregulated filling," a Liquigas spokesman said.

"These serious irregularities, which took place repeatedly, are not only harmful to our business, but to the industry as a whole. We believe this to be a matter of unfair commercial practice, as well as an attempt to fool consumers, and we are therefore closely following all developments," he said.

Liquigas is taking all necessary measures to ensure that supply of its cylinders continues smoothly and that service to customers is not affected.

Its call centre is available 24/7, on 2165 1661/5.