Local factories manufacturing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are using low quality material, and the city district government has so far not taken any step in this regard.
Per reports, there have been more than 12 incidents of gas cylinder blasts in January alone in the areas of Gulberg, DHA and Harbunspura. Several people have lost their lives while dozens others have been injured due to these blasts.
According to sources, a factory manufacturing four kilogramme gas cylinders, has been relocated from Gujranwala to Lahore. It has been selling its cylinders for Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 whereas the price of imported gas cylinders starts from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.
“Fifty percent of gas cylinder blasts occur during loading and unloading of cylinders from trucks,” a source said.
Although heavier LPG cylinders have less chances of explosion, local factories are making light weight cylinders in order to save money.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Shaukat, a cylinder vendor, said people use LPG cylinders due to hindered supply of gas. “Locally made LPG cylinders were being used in rickshaws and cars. We know this is very dangerous but he we have no other choice. We need to fulfill the needs of our families,” he said.
Another gas cylinder seller, Adnan, said that he sold two types of cylinders –good quality and cheap quality. “It’s up to the buyer which one he would like to buy. It’s the government’s duty to stop the manufacturing of low quality cylinders,” he added.
Tariq Zaman, an official of the district government, said that low quality cylinders were being made in Misri Shah and they had sealed all factories making such cylinders. “Whenever someone gives us information regarding this, we quickly raid and seal the factory,” he said.
He said LPG cylinders were not allowed in rickshaws, vans and cars. Answering a question, he said there was no notification issued regarding the low quality gas cylinders being brought into Lahore from other cities.
“When the notification will be issued we will ban the entry of all such cylinders,” he said.
