The illegal practice of decanting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been rampant in the city due to a shortage of gas and CNG.
Due to the unavailability of gas and low gas pressure, LPG cylinders are in high demand, domestically and commercially. This has caused illegal LPG refilling shops to mushroom in every nook and corner of the city.
Illegal outlets have been operating unchecked in Tench Bhatta, People’s Colony, Dhoke Syedian, Raja Bazaar, Committee Chowk, Bunni, Rehmandabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Hussu, Chungi No-22, Dhari, Lalkurti and many other areas. Decanting, that is transferring LPG from one cylinder to another, has been declared illegal because the fuel has potential to ignite at the slightest spark and cause an explosion, said a citizen.
This risk has not deterred illegal commercial distributors, who have set up outlets in residential areas and put lives at risk.
Many rickshaws, taxis and van owners have converted to LPG because it is more efficient and economical. Citizens also use these cylinders without knowledge of the fact that a faulty cylinder could explode at any time.
Selling gas without a licence is strictly prohibited and only auto re-fuelling stations are allowed to sell LPG to automotives. LPG outlets also have to follow various safety procedures but these rules are openly being violated.
