LPG shops to stay shut, for now

New NOCs will be issued under OGRA, Civil Defence guidelines

HYDERABAD:

Following the recent tragic explosion at a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) decanting shop in Pareetabad, the district administration has decided to keep all these shops shut until they comply with the guidelines of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Civil Defence Department.

Reportedly, a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abedin Memon on Monday came to the conclusion of keeping all of the 93 sealed shops shut for now.

The proactive step aims to mitigate risks associated with improper handling of LPG, particularly in light of the recent incident which resulted in the injury of 63 people, including the unfortunate loss of 12 lives, predominantly children.

Citizens are encouraged to report any operational LPG shops in their vicinity by calling the dedicated landline numbers 0229200244 and 0229200570, which will be attended to round the clock.

Furthermore, the meeting emphasised the importance of thorough inspections of sealed shops under the supervision of Assistant Commissioners and relevant authorities.

Cylinder filling machines in these establishments will be dismantled to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Moreover, all LPG filling points not conforming to OGRA and Civil Defence standards will be relocated to designated secure locations, as per the prescribed guidelines.

Acknowledging the vital role of LPG, especially amidst gas shortages and load shedding, the deputy commissioner assured that the administration is committed to minimising inconvenience for both domestic and commercial consumers while prioritising safety.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2024.