Illegal Gas Cylinder Trade Threatens Public Safety in BD

On February 23, 2025, a gas cylinder explosion in Ashulia, Savar, severely injured a couple and their five-year-old child. Just nine days earlier, another explosion in Ashulia left 11 family members, including women and children, injured. These incidents starkly illustrate the dangers posed by unsafe gas cylinders, which continue to be used in homes and businesses across Bangladesh.

In response to the February 14 explosion, local authorities have begun reevaluating safety protocols and are considering the imposition of stricter regulations to prevent further tragedies. Residents are urged to handle gas cylinders with care and report any suspected leaks or safety hazards to authorities.

Fires and Cylinder Explosions: A Growing Crisis

The threat posed by faulty gas cylinders is part of a broader fire safety crisis in Bangladesh. In 2024, the Fire Service and Civil Defence recorded an alarming 26,659 fire incidents across the country, averaging 73 fires per day. These incidents led to 341 injuries and 140 fatalities, with 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, and 44 cases directly involved gas cylinder explosions.

Despite these alarming figures, the illegal underground trade of gas cylinders continues to thrive, further compounding the risks.

The Expanding Illegal Gas Cylinder Trade

Illegal gas cylinder production and sales have become a profitable but deadly enterprise in Bangladesh. Law enforcement officials report that these cylinders are often manufactured in unregulated factories and sold at lower prices, attracting consumers who are unaware of the risks involved.

“These cylinders undergo no safety checks, unlike certified ones,” said Mohammad Ali, an official at the Fire Service. “The risk of explosion is far greater, and we strongly urge people not to buy cylinders from unauthorized vendors.”

As demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rises due to more households relying on it for cooking, illegal manufacturers have seized the opportunity to refurbish old cylinders with cheap materials, heightening the risks of leaks, fires, and explosions. Some of these faulty cylinders are even being smuggled across borders, making regulation and control more difficult.

Gaps in Licensing and Enforcement

Despite clear regulations mandating that businesses obtain government authorization for the import, production, storage, distribution, and sale of gas cylinders, these rules are widely ignored. Gas cylinders can be found in tea stalls, electronics shops, and even unlicensed stores throughout Bangladesh.

In Jatrabari, for instance, gas cylinder vendor Sumon Talukdar claimed that his small-scale business didn’t require a license. "This is a service to the consumers," he explained. However, according to official policy, no individual or organization can sell LPG gas without proper approval from the authorities.

By law, a shop is permitted to store no more than 10 gas cylinders for retail sale, but only with a license from the Department of Explosives and Fire Service. Violations can result in penalties such as three years in prison, fines, and the confiscation of goods under Sections 17 and 18 of relevant regulations. Despite these penalties, many sellers remain unaware of licensing requirements, and others cite the high costs and bureaucratic obstacles involved in obtaining a permit.

The Deadly Impact of Substandard Cylinders

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

In contrast to many other countries, Bangladesh’s state-owned company LPGCLO imports gas cylinders due to concerns over safety, rather than using locally manufactured ones. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has been discarding defective cylinders, raising questions about whether sufficient efforts are being made to prevent unsafe cylinders from reaching consumers.

Gas cylinders, if properly maintained, can last up to 40 years. However, regulations mandate that they undergo safety inspections every 10 years under the supervision of the Department of Explosives. Despite these requirements, illegal refilling businesses continue to operate freely, putting consumers at constant risk.

Public Fear and Demand for Action

The widespread use of defective gas cylinders has instilled fear in the public. Abdul Karim, a resident of Motijheel, admitted that he is terrified of using gas cylinders because of the frequent explosions reported in the media.

“This is a matter of life and death,” he said. “We need proper regulation, strict safety measures, and public awareness campaigns to protect people from these dangers.”

Experts are calling for the urgent identification and removal of defective cylinders from the market, as well as a nationwide crackdown on unauthorized gas cylinder refilling factories. They also stress the need for greater public education on the risks associated with substandard cylinders.

Will the Government Act in Time?

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