Political interference alleged: Ogra slammed for inaction on cylinder gas blasts

LPG association issues a 10-day deadline to take action against makers of substandard cylinders

ISLAMABAD: Even though faulty or low-quality liquid petroleum gas cylinders have killed more than 3,000 people, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has failed to take action against their manufacturers largely because of political interference.

“LPG cylinder blasts have killed as many as 3,240 people in the last eleven years. Ogra issued licences to the makers of these substandard cylinders but is not willing to take any action against the culprits due to political influence,” said LPG Distributors’ Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar on Thursday.

Speaking after a meeting with Ogra officials, Khokhar threatened to file a case against the regulator if it continued to spare the manufacturers of faulty or low-quality LPG cylinders.



“If no action is taken against these manufacturers in 10 days, we will take the matter to the court of law,” he said, adding that no compromise could be made on any issue involving the safety of users.

Khokhar also demanded changes in the relevant laws, making manufacturing of substandard LPG cylinders “a non-bailable offence”.

He claimed that he had been raising his voice against such manufacturers since 2006 but no action had been taken against them. Thousands of people have lost their lives since then. Citing an example, he said around 400 factories had been set up in Gujranwala to manufacture sub-standard cylinders.

“Ogra has been issuing licences to companies making these substandard cylinders but is not willing to take any action against them. There is an impression that the mafia involved in this business is backed by some people in parliament,” he claimed.

Responding to a question, he said the LPG sector would be regulated when there would be no difference in supply and demand of the LPG. “The government generated Rs42 billion in a year through the sale of an estimated 12 million metric tons of LPG. This revenue is expected to double and reach Rs100 billion in 2017,” he said.

Khokhar suggested that the LPG sector should be recognised as an industry and there should be an import policy of LPG to stabilise prices in the domestic market.

However, Ogra spokesperson said the meeting with association representatives took place in a cordial environment and their suggestions were well received.

“They have been informed that authority will look into their recommendations and will take necessary steps and actions against manufactures of substandard cylinders as and when required,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2017.