Cylinder safety
In recent years, Pakistan has grappled with a pressing issue that threatens public safety. Incidents of LPG cylinder explosions have risen significantly, occurring during transportation and usage, and have led to tragic loss of life. At the heart of the issue lies the proliferation of low-quality manufacturing practices and the use of inappropriate materials in LPG cylinder production. Unlicensed manufacturers, driven by profit motives and a disregard for safety standards, flood the market with substandard cylinders, endangering consumers’ lives.
Despite efforts by regulatory authorities such as Ogra to regulate the industry, gaps in enforcement allow unauthorised manufacturers to operate with impunity. To address this pressing concern, Pakistan must prioritise regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening quality control measures and cracking down on illegal manufacturing operations. This includes enhancing monitoring and enforcement capacities and imposing stringent penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced technologies such as track and trace systems offers a promising solution to improve traceability and accountability in the LPG supply chain. By leveraging such systems, stakeholders can track the origin, testing and ownership of LPG cylinders, enabling more effective monitoring and control of cylinder distribution. In addition to regulatory measures, partnerships between regulatory authorities and testing institutes can facilitate the implementation of standardised testing and certification protocols for LPG cylinders, enhancing safety standards and consumer protection.
Addressing the issue of LPG cylinder safety requires a coordinated approach from the relevant stakeholders. By tackling the root causes of cylinder explosions and implementing proactive measures to enhance safety standards, authorities can mitigate the risks associated with LPG cylinder usage and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2024.
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