OGRA seeks action against CO2 blending with LPG

Islamabad:

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), while taking serious note of the blending of carbon dioxide (CO2) with LPG, has urged the provincial secretaries-general, the Attorney General of Pakistan and the provincial attorneys-general to take appropriate measures against illegal carafes.

In this regard, Ogra held a high-profile meeting, chaired by its Chairman Masroor Khan and attended by members of the authority, enforcement, legal and gas groups.

The meeting reviewed the potential life hazards associated with the dangerous practice of mixing CO2 with LPG and sought appropriate measures.

“Ogra is determined to use all legal options as per its rules and regulations to eradicate such illegal activities, with the aim of safeguarding precious lives and property of the general public,” the regulator said in a statement.

It is pertinent to mention that CO2 mixing with LPG has been reported at various locations in Sindh, especially at Pano Aqil near Sukkur. Pano assistant commissioner Aqil raided four locations, discovered illegal transfusion activities, immediately sealed all the premises and lodged an FIR against the concerned.

LPG is highly flammable and mixing CO2 poses deadly risks, including adverse environmental effects. CO2 has a higher pressure than LPG, which can cause serious safety concerns as equipment calibrated for LPG may not function properly.

According to the statement, Ogra’s enforcement team visited gas sites in Pano Aqil and observed that all the facilities were operating illegally and in dangerous conditions. LPG bowlers were used for storage instead of proper LPG tanks and substandard equipment was found.

In response to the findings, Ogra decided to exhaust all legal options to eliminate this illegal activity. She advised her legal counsel at Pano Aqil to pursue the case and represent Ogra’s view of public safety.

Ogra revealed that
had also written letters to the commissioner of the Sukkur collective corporation and Customs, urging them to ensure security at the local level by curbing the illegal sale of LPG.