Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder explosion and the cause of death and distress from them have increased substantially over the years. There is also a concern over the number of licensed distributors and sellers of LPG cylinders in the country. As a result, unqualified and unregulated distribution of LPG is taking place in hazardous condition that requires immediate government intervention. As the situation demands quick remedial measures, the government has chosen to amend the already existing Bangladesh Gas Act-2010.
The import, filling and transportation of LP gas by different entities are done after obtaining required licences from the Department of Explosives. These licences are obtained and renewed on the basis of terms and conditions under LPG Rules-2004 of the Explosive Act, 1884. However, it is disconcerting that there are a large number of LPG vendors who are conducting business violating the public safety regulations.
Once this comes out as an
ordinance, then it will prove
to be a direct buffer between the public
and illegal LPG trade
The new provision will, hopefully, be able to ensure some sort of penal measures against unscrupulous LPG traders. The gas Act at present doesn’t have any provision of conducting mobile courts and thus campaigning against LPG irregularities is too limited. Once this comes out as an ordinance, it will prove to be a direct buffer between the public and illegal LPG trade.
Statistics show that the Department of Explosives issues four types of licence. These are 70 initial licences, 17 for bottling and around 5,000 to 5,500 licences for storage and doing business in this sector. However, the safety aspects have become a big concern as the accidents from LPG cylinders have increased. There is not a single regulatory body to monitor and regulate the safety aspects of LPG use.
Experts opine that accidents are occurring due to use of date expired and substandard quality cylinders. This reveals the fact that there is indeed a lack of monitoring in this sector that needs to be filled. Authorities concerned should provide adequate and proper monitoring of cylinder consignments and shipments to reduce the risk of explosions and fires. Above all, any and all unscrupulous traders of LPG must be eradicated to create a safe gas sector in the country.