ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Energy (Petroleum Division) Mian Khan Bugti informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the majority of reported LPG cylinder explosions have resulted from unsafe handling practices and illegal filling operations rather than regulatory inaction.
Responding to questions during the Question Hour, he said investigations conducted by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and provincial authorities found that most incidents occurred due to gas leakage caused by improper handling of cylinders, which later ignited from nearby electrical sources.
He said further inquiries revealed that the main causes of such incidents include improper and unsafe usage by consumers, illegal decanting and filling at unauthorized shops and locations, and non-compliance with safety standards by certain market operators.
Clarifying OGRA’s role, Bugti said the authority regulates the LPG sector under the federal government’s policy and LPG Rules, ensuring compliance with safety standards related to cylinder manufacturing, filling, storage, transportation and marketing. Public advisories and safety guidelines are also issued regularly to educate consumers about safe handling of LPG cylinders.
He advised consumers to purchase LPG only from licensed distributors and avoid uncertified cylinders. Details of authorized LPG cylinder manufacturers are available on OGRA’s website and have also been publicized.
The parliamentary secretary said OGRA’s Enforcement Department conducts routine and surprise inspections of LPG storage and filling plants as well as marketing operations. In cases of non-compliance, facilities are sealed with the assistance of district authorities, while show-cause notices, financial penalties, and suspension or cancellation of licences are imposed.
He added that OGRA coordinates with provincial governments, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to curb illegal decanting and sale of substandard cylinders. Powers under Section 29 of the OGRA Ordinance, 2002, have also been delegated to local governments to take action against illegal activities.
Highlighting recent enforcement actions, Bugti said OGRA teams carried out raids in Islamabad, including action against an illegal LPG plant operating inside a residential house, which was sealed and handed over to the authorities.
He reiterated that OGRA’s teams are actively conducting raids and enforcement operations across the country and assured the House that further measures would be taken to strengthen safety and regulatory oversight in the LPG sector.