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Despite the loss of hundreds of lives in LPG-related explosions across Pakistan, the Ministry of Law and Justice has yet to clear the long-pending LPG Industry Amendment Bill proposed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The bill, which aims to enforce strict penalties and ensure public safety, has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for the past two years.
OGRA’s proposed amendments include up to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10 million for general violations. For cases involving deadly blasts from LPG cylinders and bowsers, the penalties increase to 14 years of imprisonment and a Rs 15 million fine.
Industry officials say they have repeatedly written to the Law Ministry urging action, but there has been no progress. The draft bill, originally submitted by OGRA two years ago, remains untouched — gathering dust within the corridors of the ministry.
The LPG Distributors Association of Pakistan recently wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting the absence of a proper legal framework to regulate safety in the LPG sector. The existing laws, the association noted, impose only minor penalties for dangerous and illegal practices.
In the letter, the association expressed serious concern over the delay and urged the Law Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, to take immediate steps to move the bill forward. One of the most alarming issues cited was the widespread mixing of CO₂ gas with LPG — a hazardous malpractice that continues unchecked and unpunished.
The association stressed that if the bill is not presented in Parliament soon, they would have no choice but to launch countrywide protests.
In a video statement, Irfan Khokhar, Chairman of the LPG Association, revealed that on average, two explosions and four deaths are reported daily due to faulty LPG equipment and illegal operations. He pointed out that more than 36 letters have been sent to various government bodies, including the Law Ministry, but no action has been taken.
Khokhar recalled tragic incidents such as the deadly LPG bowser explosion in Dera Ghazi Khan and similar accidents in Hyderabad last year. He also mentioned a recent blast in Lahore that claimed five lives.
“We respectfully urge the government to immediately approve and implement the pending bill concerning petroleum and explosive materials,” Khokhar said. “There must be a clear and enforceable ban on the manufacture and sale of substandard LPG cylinders, bowsers, and valves across Pakistan. The continued operations of illegal and non-compliant manufacturers are leading to frequent explosions, severe injuries, and tragic loss of life.”
