Shafikul Islam

A series of recent gas cylinder explosions in Dhaka and surrounding areas have raised serious concerns about public safety, prompting urgent calls for stricter regulations and enforcement measures.

The illegal trade of substandard gas cylinders, often produced in unregulated factories, is putting thousands of lives at risk.

On 23 February 2025, a gas cylinder explosion in Ashulia, Savar, left a couple and their five-year-old child severely injured.

Earlier, on 14 February 2025, another explosion in Ashulia injured 11 family members, including women and children. These incidents highlight the dangers associated with unsafe gas cylinders, which continue to be used in homes and businesses across Bangladesh.

Following the February 14 explosion, local authorities have been assessing safety protocols and considering stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Residents are urged to handle gas cylinders with caution and report any suspected leaks or safety hazards to authorities.

Fires and Cylinder Explosions

The risk posed by faulty gas cylinders is part of a broader fire safety crisis in Bangladesh. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, a staggering 26,659 fire incidents occurred across the country in 2024, averaging 73 fires per day. These incidents resulted in 341 injuries and 140 fatalities, with total property damage estimated at Tk 446.27 crore.

Of these fires:

34% (9,069 incidents) were caused by electrical malfunctions.

15.52% (4,139 incidents) were sparked by burning cigarettes or bidi.

11.46% (3,056 incidents) were caused by stove-related mishaps.

2.95% (789 incidents) resulted from arson.

2.84% (759 incidents) were due to children playing with fire.

704 incidents were linked to gas cylinder leaks, while 44 cases were directly caused by gas cylinder explosions.

Despite these alarming statistics, a thriving underground trade of illegal gas cylinders continues to flourish, exacerbating the risks.
Growing Illegal Gas Cylinder Trade

Illegal gas cylinder production and sales have become a lucrative yet deadly business in Bangladesh. Law enforcement officials report that these cylinders are produced in unregulated factories and sold at lower prices, making them attractive to consumers unaware of the dangers.

“These cylinders are not subjected to the rigorous safety checks that certified ones undergo,” said Mohammad Ali, an official at the Fire Service. “The risk of explosion is significantly higher, and we urge people to avoid purchasing cylinders from unlicensed vendors.”

The demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has surged as more households turn to it for cooking fuel. Taking advantage of this demand, illegal manufacturers recondition old cylinders with inferior materials, leading to increased risks of leaks, fires, and explosions. Some of these cylinders are even being exported to neighbouring countries, making regulation even more challenging.

Flaws in Licensing

Despite clear regulations requiring prior permission from the government for the import, production, storage, distribution, and marketing of gas cylinders, these rules are widely flouted. LP gas cylinders are found everywhere—from tea stalls to electronics shops—often sold without permission.

In Jatrabari, gas cylinder provider Sumon Talukdar claimed his small-scale business required no licence. “This is a service for consumers,” he said. However, official policy states that no individual or organisation can sell LP gas without approval from the authorities.

By law, a shop can store a maximum of 10 gas cylinders for retail sale, but only with a licence from the Department of Explosives and Fire Service. Violators can face three years in prison, fines, and confiscation of goods under sections 17 and 18 of the relevant regulations. However, many sellers remain unaware of licensing requirements, while others complain of excessive costs and bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining a permit.

Deadly Consequences

Low-quality LPG and compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders are responsible for numerous explosions, causing loss of life and severe property damage. Although no comprehensive national data exist on cylinder explosions, media reports frequently highlight such incidents.

Unlike many other countries, Bangladesh’s state-owned company LPGCLO does not use locally manufactured cylinders, opting instead for imports due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has discarded defective cylinders, raising questions about whether adequate measures are being taken to prevent unsafe cylinders from reaching consumers.

Gas cylinders, if properly maintained, can last up to 40 years. However, regulations mandate a safety inspection every 10 years under the Department of Explosives’ supervision. Despite these measures, illegal refilling businesses continue to operate openly, putting consumers at constant risk.

Public Fear

The widespread presence of defective gas cylinders has created fear among consumers. Abdul Karim, a resident of Motijheel, admitted he is terrified of using gas cylinders due to the frequent explosions reported in the media.
“This is a matter of life and death,” he said. “We need proper regulation, safety measures, and awareness campaigns to protect people.”

Experts urge the urgent identification and removal of defective cylinders from the market. They also stress the need for a nationwide crackdown on unauthorised gas cylinder refilling factories.

Will the Government Act?

The government has pledged to tighten regulations and increase public awareness through safety campaigns. Authorities are also working with gas companies to monitor distribution networks more effectively. However, with illegal cylinders still readily available across the country, the question remains: Will authorities be able to eradicate this hazardous underground trade before another tragedy strikes?