‘Illegal cylinder filling a major threat to LPG biz’

Filling cylinders with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at unlicensed filling stations poses a big threat to its business, speakers at a webinar said.

They came up with the observations while speaking at the webinar titled ‘’Illegal LPG cylinder filling and its effects on business and economy’’ organised by Energypack recently.

Chaired by G-Gas Chief Business Officer Abu Sayeed Raza, the webinar was addressed by M Muntasir Alam of Beximco LPG, Md Hasin Parvez, CEO of Green Fuel Technologies Limited, and Secretary General of Auto Gas Owners Association.

Discussants said illegal LPG filling continues unabated in Bangladesh. As per the government policy, no one is allowed to fill LPG cylinders outside authorised LPG plants. Even LPG operators cannot fill each other’s cylinders without agreement or legal consent, they added.

The speakers further said there is a strict policy against the companies who are filling cylinders in violation of the law. As per the law, there must have a standard uniformity between refueling stations, government-approved operators and distributors of LPG.

Auto-gas refueling stations, government-approved operators and distributors of LPG must comply with the guidelines set forth in the agreement. Besides, auto gas refueling stations have to sell auto gas purchased from contracted LPG companies.

Illegal filling of LPG cylinders involves use of low-quality cylinders and valves, applying incorrect filling methods and mixing of different types of LPG which pose various risks.