SANGAM

30pc of LPG cylinders potential bomb

SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, AUG 16 -
More than 30 percent of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in circulation are at high risk of explosion, according to gas dealers, consumer rights activists and other concerned stakeholders.

“About 4 million gas cylinders are currently in circulation in the country, out of which 30 percent (1.2 million cylinders) haven't passed through a hydrostatic test to check the quality of the cylinders. These cylinders can blow up anytime,” admitted Gyaneshwor Aryal, president of the Gas Dealers Federation Nepal, at a press conference on Monday.

According to him, 300,000 cylinders out of the 30 percent that have not been tested are sent back to the market with only their foot rings changed. “These recycled cylinders are like a cylinder bomb,” he said.

Similarly, sub-standard cylinders, old valves and worn-out regulators may cause cylinder explosions. Due to the substandard products used, the chances of cylinder leakage are high. When there is a leak, the gas inside tends to get concentrated in an enclosed area and thus creates a risk of a severe explosion and fire.

Several deaths have occurred due to cylinder explosions in recent times. More than seven people lost their lives last year due to cylinder explosions in the Kathmandu Valley alone.

“We confess that high profit motives have tainted entrepreneurs to sell non-standards regulators, valves and old cylinders, which are killing people. We have been raising the issue for the last 10 years; however, the concerned bodies are not paying any attention to the issue,” Aryal said. He added that this kind of issue could be stopped through a legal act only.

There are over 27 gas bottling plants in Nepal. The country's annual gas consumption is 17,000 tons. However, Digambar Jha, general manager of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), said that there was no case identified of cylinder explosions until now. “The explosion is caused by valve and regulator leakage,” he said, adding that substandard valves, regulators and pipes were the major reasons of fire or explosion.

An expert said that gas leaks generate large volumes of flammable vapours, which is heavier than air. The leaked gas travel to the confined space and if it gets any sparks the whole place will be caught with severe fire and the fire causes the cylinder to explode.

“Accidents from gas explosion are increasing but there are no bases to prove any one guilty. Since the NOC is a company, where the government has a 98 percent stake, it cannot penalize anyone,” Jha said.

He said that the only things NOC could do is that it has authority to suspend the license of the gas industry. “There is a dire need of Petroleum Law to address such issues,” Jha added. Sita Ram Joshi, Director General, Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NEBSM) said the NEBSM used to monitor the quality and standards of gas and gas related products during 1996. There was a certain code of conduct for gas industries, sellers and dealers. However, none of them abided it, which became unworkable.

The NEBSM stopped monitoring on the issue from 2003. “However, with the gas explosion accident increasing more, the Ministry of Industry again called the NEBSM to take the suggestion regarding the technical part in June 2010,” Joshi added.

He said that of the total registered gas industries, 10 were found not following hydrostatic test. “We have issued circular to scrap the license of those industries not following the test on May, “he said.



Ban slapped on import of 5-kg, 3-kg cylinders

The Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NEBSM) has issued a circular to the Customs Department asking it to stop the import of 5-kg and 3-kg LP gas cylinders after they were found to be technically hazardous for use.

According to the NEBSM, these cylinders were found to have a simple regulator that does not incorporate the standard to ensure safety. Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) had recently pushed for introduction of 5-kg cylinders for low-end consumers.

The corporation's move to introduce low-capacity cylinders was aimed to increase the access of poor people to gas, which is an efficient and relatively cleaner fuel than kerosene. Similarly, a circular has also been issue to stop the uncertified import of regulators. In coordination with the Ministry of Industry and the Customs Department, the NEBSM has issued a circular to stop unauthorized import of gas regulators. It has recommended the import of only ISO certified regulators.