The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), while taking serious notice of the mixing of carbon dioxide (CO2) with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has urged provincial chief secretaries, the Attorney General of Pakistan and provincial advocate generals to take appropriate action against illegal decanters.
In that regard, Ogra conducted a high-profile meeting, headed by its Chairman Masroor Khan and attended by members of the authority, enforcement, legal and LPG teams.
The meeting addressed the potential risks to life associated with the dangerous practice of mixing CO2 with LPG and sought appropriate action.
“Ogra is determined to utilise all legal options under its rules and regulations to eliminate such illegal activities, aimed at safeguarding precious lives and properties of the general public,” the regulator said in a statement.
It is pertinent to mention that CO2 mixing with LPG has been reported in various locations of Sindh, especially in Pano Aqil near Sukkur. The assistant commissioner of Pano Aqil has raided four sites, discovered illegal decanting activities, sealed all the sites immediately and lodged FIRs against the individuals concerned.
LPG is highly flammable and the mixing of CO2 poses fatal risks, including adverse environmental impacts. CO2 has higher pressure than LPG, which can cause serious safety concerns as the equipment calibrated for LPG may not function properly.
According to the statement, Ogra’s enforcement team visited LPG sites in Pano Aqil and observed that all the sites were being operated illegally and in unsafe conditions. LPG bowsers were being used for storage instead of proper LPG tanks, and substandard equipment was found.
In response to the findings, Ogra has decided to exhaust all legal options to eliminate this illegal activity. It advised its legal counsel in Pano Aqil to pursue the case and represent Ogra’s point of view for safety of the general public.
Ogra revealed that it
had also written letters to the commissioner of Sukkur and Customs collectorate, urging them to ensure safety at the local level by curtailing the illegal sale of LPG.
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