Faulty LPG cylinders termed ‘bombs’

Civil defence takes action against brefilling, use of rusted cylinders

RAWALPINDI:

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder you are using in your home or office can blow up like a bomb, warned the city’s civil defence chief.

The use of LPG for heating and cooking increases in winter due to shortage of piped natural gas supply. However, a number of incidents have been reported when these cylinders blew up due to gas leakage.

The Rawalpindi Civil Defence Department (CDD) has taken notice on Friday of use of faulty gas cylinders in the city and started a major crackdown against the suppliers of substandard indigenous cylinders, a spokesperson shared.

During an operation, 65 cylinders were seized while cases were registered against the users and suppliers, he informed, adding that operations were carried out in Sadiqabad, Adiala Road, Pirwadhai, Dhoke Syedan and other areas of the city. CDD District Officer Talib Hussain maintained that an inquiry had been undertaken into the incidents of cylinder blasts in different shops of the city while a report issued in this regard last month revealed that use of substandard cylinders and overfilling of gas were the cause of the explosions, resulting in heavy loss of life and property.

Furthermore, registered gas cylinder companies have also complained about the issue. The district officer assured that the crackdown will continue throughout the ongoing winter season when cylinder use is at its peak. “The focus of the operation will be on restaurants, cafes, fast food joints and commercial marketplaces where gas cylinders are primarily used,” he mentioned. Strict checking is being undertaken regarding the quality of cylinders in use and action will be taken against users and suppliers of substandard cylinders manufactured by unauthorised companies, he added.