The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has imposed a ban on the sale and purchase of substandard Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders. This decisive action aims to enhance safety and regulatory compliance within the LPG sector.
In a statement, OGRA stated that stringent measures will be taken against marketing companies involved in selling LPG cylinders and gas to unauthorized distributors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb the proliferation of unsafe LPG practices.
The notification disclosed that OGRA has issued notices to 313 LPG marketing companies and 19 cylinder manufacturing companies across the country, mandating adherence to the new regulations.
OGRA’s new code of conduct for the LPG industry clearly delineates that refilling LPG in non-standard cylinders is both illegal and hazardous. The revised guidelines are designed to ensure that only authorized distributors engage in the LPG business, thereby reducing the risks associated with substandard equipment.
Furthermore, OGRA officials highlighted the alarming rise in incidents involving the bursting of substandard LPG cylinders. To address this critical issue, the authority has decided to empower District Commissioners (DC) and Assistant Commissioners (AC) with comprehensive monitoring capabilities. This measure is expected to bolster oversight and enforcement at the local level, ensuring that safety standards are rigorously upheld.
The new regulations represent a significant step toward improving safety and accountability within the LPG industry, protecting consumers from the dangers posed by inferior and unauthorized products.
