Ban on LPG in public transport ignored

Traders call for removing illegally operating LPG gas shops in densely populated areas

HYDRABAD:

The Sindh government's ban on the use of LPG in public transport has not yet been fully enforced. Public transport still runs on LPG, with the filling of LPG cylinders occurring at various locations. The rising prices of petrol, diesel, and CNG have compelled transporters to turn to LPG as an alternative.

A liter of petrol now costs nearly Rs284, while a kilogram of LPG costs Rs250 and provides double the mileage compared to petrol. However, its use is considered dangerous. Instead of taking action, district administration and transport department officials have limited themselves to issuing warnings.

With the increased use of LPG, more LPG shops have sprung up in various parts of the city without proper permits. Several years ago, when CNG was readily available and inexpensive, public transport, especially passenger vans, began installing CNG cylinders at a rapid pace.

This practice later extended to commercial vehicles and larger public transport vehicles. During this period, due to non-standard cylinder installations, gas leaks, and other factors, there were tragic incidents of cylinder explosions and fires in passenger vans, resulting in the loss of lives, including young children.

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Concerned about such incidents, the Sindh High Court (SHC) took action and prohibited the installation of CNG cylinders in passenger vehicles. Subsequently, the Sindh government, the Transport Department, the regional authorities of respective districts, and the police temporarily removed CNG cylinders from public transport. However, this issue, like many others, was eventually sidelined.

As CNG became both expensive and scarce, transporters switched to LPG. The cylinders remained the same, but now LPG was being filled instead of CNG. It's important to note that this process is highly dangerous and can lead to accidents.

The Anjuman-e-Tajiran and Shopkeepers of Ghareeb Nawaz Pul Haali Road in Hyderabad have also called upon the deputy commissioner and SSP Hyderabad to relocate LPG gas cylinder shops from the residential and commercial areas by prohibiting the opening of LPG gas shops in densely populated areas.

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This demand was made during an association meeting, chaired by President Shafiq Chauhan, with the participation of all local businessmen. Shafiq Chauhan, the association's president, pointed out that more than 50 shops along the entire stretch from Naya Pul to the General Bus Stand are illegally selling LPG. It is a criminal and illegal practice to sell LPG gas in densely populated areas. These unregulated shops operate around the clock, serving commercial vehicles. There have been several instances of lives lost due to LPG gas cylinder explosions.

Recently, a gas cylinder leak in one of these shops caused panic in the area, prompting residents to come out of their houses in fear. When the residents protested to the shopkeeper, it was revealed that the shopkeeper had political affiliations, leaving local residents and shopkeepers powerless against these illicit practices.

To open an LPG gas cylinder shop, one must obtain the necessary permits in accordance with the law. However, here, individuals are opening LPG gas shops without any permission or regulation.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2023.