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The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has taken serious notice of illegal activities related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), including gas theft, illegal decanting, the mixing of carbon dioxide (CO2) with LPG, and violations of safety standards. In response, OGRA has deployed teams to identified locations to conduct inspections and take appropriate action in accordance with regulations.
The practice of CO2 mixing with LPG has been detected in various locations across Sindh province, particularly in Khairpur Mirus, Ghotki, Pano Aqil, and Ranipur. Additionally, the manufacturing of substandard LPG cylinders has been uncovered in different areas of Gujranwala.
Meanwhile, incidents of fire at LPG plants in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan have resulted in significant losses to both the public and the national exchequer.
In light of these issues, OGRA’s LPG & Enforcement teams, working in coordination with local authorities, conducted raids at four sites in Sindh province, where they discovered illegal CO2 mixing with LPG. All identified sites were immediately sealed, and FIRs were lodged against the responsible individuals.
Furthermore, OGRA teams have compiled detailed reports on the negligence of local handlers, which contributed to the explosions in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan. In Gujranwala, three illegal sites manufacturing substandard LPG cylinders were identified and sealed, with FIRs registered against those involved.
During their inspections, OGRA’s LPG & Enforcement teams visited multiple locations, including Thehri Pass Khairpur, Shah Hussain Bypass Khairpur, and the National Highway in Ranipur.
Additionally, an illegal site in Ghotki was identified, where gas theft, illegal decanting, and CO2 mixing were taking place. All these sites were sealed, and legal action was initiated. Similarly, illegal manufacturing sites in Gujranwala were apprehended, and FIRs were registered against the culprits.
Determined to eliminate these unlawful activities, OGRA has decided to exhaust all legal avenues to ensure compliance. The authority has formally written to the Chief Secretaries, the Commissioner of Sukkur, and the Custom Collectorate, urging them to take strict measures to curb the illegal sale of LPG and enhance safety at the local level.
It is important to highlight that LPG is highly flammable, and the mixing of CO2 poses severe risks, including potential environmental hazards. CO2 has a higher pressure than LPG, which can lead to critical safety concerns, as equipment calibrated for LPG may malfunction when exposed to CO2. Ensuring regulatory compliance and public safety remains OGRA’s top priority in addressing these violations.
