OGRA takes action against sale of carbon dioxide-mixed LPG cylinders

SUKKUR: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has taken notice of the revelation that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Sindh is being sold with a dangerous mixture of carbon dioxide. Following this discovery, OGRA has decided to take decisive action.

According to Express News, various locations across Sindh, particularly near Pano Aqil in Sukkur, have reported instances of carbon dioxide being mixed into LPG. The Assistant Commissioner of Pano Aqil conducted raids at four locations, uncovering these illegal activities, immediately sealing all the sites and filing cases against the offenders.

OGRA’s enforcement team inspected the LPG sites in Pano Aqil and concluded that all sites were operating illegally and under unsafe conditions. Instead of proper LPG tanks, LPG bowzers were being used for storage, and substandard equipment was found in use.

A high-level meeting chaired by OGRA Chairman Masroor Khan, attended by authority members and teams from enforcement, legal, and LPG departments, discussed the potential life-threatening risks associated with this dangerous practice. The meeting urged provincial chief secretaries, the Attorney General, and provincial advocate generals to take appropriate action against this illegal activity.

The meeting reiterated OGRA’s commitment to utilizing all legal options under its regulations to eliminate such illegal activities, aiming to protect the valuable lives and properties of the public.

In light of these findings, OGRA has decided to use all legal options to end this illegal activity. The authority has instructed its legal advisor in Pano Aqil to pursue the case and present OGRA’s stance to ensure public safety.

OGRA has also sent letters to the Commissioner of Sukkur and the Customs Collectorate, urging them to stop the illegal sale of LPG in the area and ensure local safety.

It is important to note that LPG is an extremely flammable gas, and mixing it with carbon dioxide can create lethal risks, including negative environmental impacts.

Carbon dioxide has higher pressure compared to LPG, which can lead to severe safety concerns as equipment designed for LPG may not function properly.

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