Rising LPG cylinder hazards demand attention

With Titas gas connection, particularly residential, becoming rarer by the day, it is only natural that people would turn to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking and other essential purposes. Indeed, LPG is the most commonly used source of fuel insofar as cooking at home and restaurants is concerned. But there is also the ever-present danger of accidents if the gas cylinder is not handled properly, or if it is faulty. According to official figures, there were 894 cylinder-related accidents in 2021, averaging more than two per day, and six major gas cylinder explosions in 2020-2021. This shows that users are living with veritable bombs in their kitchens.

According to experts, there are several reasons for the increasing number of LPG cylinder explosions. Topping the list are poor quality of cylinders and their improper use resulting in gas leaks. While gas leakage does not cause explosions per se, an ignorance of safety measures while handling it can indeed do. The case of the unfortunate Jodge Mia is an example. On Sunday, he was killed in Fatullah, Narayanganj when a gas cylinder, being taken for repair, exploded after a nearby truck driver lit a cigarette in close proximity.

We don't know the current number of LNG and CNG cylinders being used commercially. But according to a report, the figure stood at around 25 million LNG and half a million CNG cylinders in 2020, the quality of which was not reportedly tested by the administration.

Given the possibility of the increase in the usage of gas cylinders in the future, the chances of cylinder explosions and fatalities may rise further—unless the authorities take effective preventive measures. And both suppliers and consumers must be targeted with equal importance. Strict scrutiny and oversight of the suppliers must be ensured to prevent cylinders with faulty regulators, valves and connectors from entering the market. In the same manner, the users should be targeted to be made aware of the consequences of neglecting safety measures or failing to ensure maximum precaution while using LPG. Merely printing and distributing leaflets will not be enough. We urge the relevant authorities, including the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence and the Department of Explosives, to conduct awareness campaigns and area-wise visits across the country.