Why do gas cylinders explode in Pakistan?

The incidents of gas cylinder explosion in houses and various business places are increasing in Pakistan, causing both financial and human losses.

Yesterday, a man died and four others sustained injuries after a gas cylinder exploded in the Phase-VII of Defence, Karachi.

But the question is, why do gas cylinders explode in Pakistan?

In response to this question, Irfan Khokhar, Chairman of LPG Industries Association of Pakistan, says that substandardness of gas cylinders in Pakistan is the main reason behind the explosion of gas cylinders.

According to him, the companies, which have been issued licenses by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to manufacture cylinders, are also manufacturing substandard cylinders by ignoring the international standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Also, most of the cylinders used in houses are outdated or uncertified due to which accidents take place.

It is to be noted here that the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are being used in large numbers in houses, rickshaws and restaurants in Pakistan.

In response to a question, Irfan Khokhar said that a standard cylinder does not explode due to sunlight, bumping and sometimes even fire.

On the other hand, a substandard cylinder can explode with a little carelessness. Even if someone throws a burning cigarette near the cylinder, it can explode.

In this regard, Irfan Khokar, Chairman of LPG Industries Association of Pakistan, also laid out some facts and figures before 24 News and said that on an average, two cases of cylinder blast take place every day in the country due to the use of substandard cylinders, and four to six people are killed or injured in these incidents.

These figures are based on the reported incidents, while many incidents go unreported. Therefore, it is difficult to know the exact number of such incidents.

گھروں اور مختلف کاروباری مقامات پر سلنڈر پھٹنے کے واقعات میں تیزی سے اضافہ ہو رہا ہے جو مالی اور جانی دونوں طرح کے نقصان کا باعث بن رہا ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/Frkw49zxEN

— 24 News HD (@24NewsHD) October 11, 2022

According to Irfan Khokhar, the cost of pure LPG is around Rs170,000 per tonne. But if carbon dioxide is added to it, the profit will surely increase and this will be the cause of such accidents.

According to the data given to 24 News by Irfan Khokhar, there are 15 such large plants across the country where LPG is being mixed with carbon dioxide. Out of them, two plants are in Balochistan, seven plants are in Sindh and four plants are in Muzaffargarh and Multan of Punjab.

Irfan Khokhar further said that the IGPs of all the provinces have been informed about such illegal plants by writing letters on behalf of the association so that a legal action could be taken against them, but there is no progress in this regard.

He also added that there is a need for regular legislation in this regard so that such accidents can be avoided and the responsible can be punished.

In future, shortage of natural gas will add to these problems because gas for the domestic and business needs will be available in cylinders only.

In such a case, every house and locality will have a readymade gas bomb that will explode any time.