Imtiaz Ahmed, Narayanganj

Around 100,000 customers use LPG gas in Narayanganj district. Out of 35 companies operating in the country, 27 companies do business in this district. However, most LPG gas sales come from 12 major and mid-sized companies.

Experienced customers claim that at least 20,000 gas cylinders in Narayanganj have expired. These cylinders are being repeatedly refilled and sent to customers’ homes, increasing the number of gas explosions and casualties. The risk of major accidents in the future remains high.

According to Narayanganj Fire Service data, at least 130 people have died in gas explosion-related incidents over the past four years. LPG gas customers are demanding the removal of old and hazardous gas cylinders from the market. However, LPG gas dealers do not agree with these demands. They argue that a gas cylinder has a lifespan of 20 years. If properly inspected and maintained, a cylinder can be safely used for two decades. Except for the first three companies that entered the market before 2015, most other companies started operations after that year. This means their cylinders have not yet exceeded their lifespan. However, the cylinders from the initial three companies (established in 2003) have now surpassed their 20-year limit.

It has been reported that LPG gas cylinders are being sold indiscriminately across Narayanganj without following regulations. Cylinders are being stored in various locations without proper authorization. They are stocked in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other shops, posing serious risks. This situation has led to growing concerns among consumers, as unexpected and deadly gas explosions continue to occur. Experts warn that if this issue is not addressed immediately, more accidents are likely to happen in the future.

Many customers are worried about the safety of their gas cylinders. They claim that it is impossible to identify a hazardous cylinder. Cylinders that have been in use for over 10 years are being repainted and sold as new. Several customers, including Tahmina Ahmed Shila, Jamil Hossain, Abdus Salam, Shahadat Hossain, and Sabina Yasmin, reported that shopkeepers refuse to discuss cylinder safety concerns. When they raise concerns with delivery personnel, they are directed to speak to shop owners, who dismiss their worries. Since customers usually order refills over the phone and do not visit the shops, they cannot verify the condition of the cylinders.

Local retailers claim that a gas cylinder’s lifespan is 10 years, while dealers argue that it can be used for 20 years under certain conditions. However, experts believe that after 10 years, cylinders become increasingly dangerous. Some companies claim to remove hazardous cylinders after 10 years, but this has never been enforced in Narayanganj.

To replace an old cylinder, customers must pay an additional 400 BDT. The process involves returning the old cylinder to the retailer, who then forwards it to the dealer along with the extra payment. The dealer then sends it to the company for replacement. This means customers have to wait for a new cylinder, during which time they have no alternative source of gas. Those who rely entirely on LPG for cooking find this process inconvenient and risky.

According to Abdur Rahman, Vice President of the Bangladesh LPG Gas Traders Association, approximately 100,000 customers use LPG gas in Narayanganj. Among them, 60,000 are regular users, 25,000 purchase gas every three to four months, and 15,000 buy it occasionally. The district has 35 LPG gas dealers and over 500 retailers. A single customer typically uses two LPG cylinders per month, while commercial establishments consume more. In total, around 155,000 LPG gas cylinders are sold in the district each month.

Discussions with employees at several gas shops revealed that 35 LPG companies operate nationwide, with 27 selling gas in Narayanganj. However, only 12 companies dominate the market. The three oldest companies are Bashundhara, Jamuna, and Omera.

A customer named Salauddin said he once tried to replace his old cylinder but abandoned the process due to its complexity. Another customer, Shahabuddin, mentioned, “If a new cylinder comes from the company, it takes time. There’s no guarantee when it will arrive. If I don’t have a cylinder, how will I cook? Who will take that risk?

Several other customers echoed similar concerns. They rely entirely on LPG gas for cooking and believe the replacement process should be made easier. Many suggested that customers should be able to exchange old cylinders directly at shops for new ones without delays.

The fire service authorities stated that LPG cylinders must be inspected every five to six years. However, many businesses neglect this requirement due to cost and inconvenience.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Arefin, Deputy Director of Narayanganj Fire Service, explained that LPG gas dealers must obtain a license from the Department of Explosives. Additionally, cylinders should be stored in open and spacious areas, inspected every six years, and equipped with fire safety measures.

According to Nuruddin Ahmed, President of "Amra Narayanganjbasi" and a veteran freedom fighter, the uncontrolled growth of LPG gas shops in Narayanganj has become alarming. These shops, often unlicensed, are selling gas cylinders in residential areas without proper safety measures. Many lack basic fire extinguishing systems.

Investigations revealed that while LPG gas dealers obtain approval for showrooms, they often ignore regulations for storage facilities. Additionally, they do not verify whether local retailers have the necessary licenses to sell LPG gas. Many small shops, including grocery stores, poultry shops, pharmacies, and kitchenware stores, are selling LPG gas without authorization.

Speaking about the situation, several gas traders from the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road and Kalirbazar areas, as well as Zahirul Islam, a dealer for Bashundhara and Total LPG gas on Sirajuddoula Road, commented, “A gas cylinder can be safely used for 20 years, but after that, it may become risky.

However, companies do offer replacements under certain conditions. This issue mainly affects a few older companies, while newer companies have no such problems. Overall, retail traders are struggling due to unfair competition. Many small-scale sellers lack technical knowledge, which could lead to cylinder issues.”