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The burgeoning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector in Bangladesh, while essential for meeting energy demands, is becoming a ticking time bomb due to a dangerous cocktail of rapid growth and lax safety standards. Experts and regulators are sounding the alarm, pointing to a critical gap between the increasing use of LPG and the implementation of necessary safety measures. This oversight is not merely an administrative oversight; it directly translates into heightened risks of fires and explosions in homes, industries, and transportation networks across the country.

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Use of LPG is increasing day by day, but safety measures are not being taken properly even though it should be the first concern.

The warnings issued at a recent roundtable highlight a systemic failure in enforcement and oversight. While LPG can be a safe and clean fuel, its improper handling, coupled with negligence and a widespread lack of safety awareness, are primary culprits behind numerous accidents. The presence of essential safety equipment like certified gas detectors, emergency shutdown systems, and adequate fire protection measures is often conspicuously absent in many facilities. This creates a perilous environment where even minor leaks can escalate into catastrophic events due to delayed detection and response.

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In fire hazards, fuel, oxygen and ignition sources are required. Since LPG itself is the fuel and oxygen already exists in the atmosphere, preventing gas leakage and accumulation becomes the key safety priority.

Compounding these issues is the alarming prevalence of unlicensed operations. Reports suggest that a vast majority of autogas stations are functioning without valid licenses from the Department of Explosives, and unauthorized road tankers are a common sight, underscoring the deep-seated problems in safety verification and regulatory compliance. Stakeholders, including station owners, are struggling with these challenges, often operating without proper licenses and facing practical difficulties with existing regulations, which they argue were formulated without adequate consultation. Addressing these safety and regulatory challenges is paramount to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the well-being of the public as the LPG sector continues its expansion.

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Delay in leak detection and emergency response can allow gas accumulation, which may eventually lead to catastrophic explosions or fires.