The illegal trade of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders continues unabated in Lalmonirhat’s villages and markets, reflecting a nationwide problem in Bangladesh, amid lax government monitoring and inadequate regulation.
From roadside tea stalls to grocery stores, hardware shops and even cement depots, the highly flammable cylinders are reportedly available everywhere, often stored recklessly beside open flames!
Many sellers distribute cylinders without fire safety measures or approval from the Department of Explosives, placing both buyers and residents at constant risk.
Cross-filling, the transfer of LPG from one cylinder to another, is also carried out by unauthorised individuals and unregulated businesses across the country.
As LPG is highly flammable, improper handling and the use of substandard equipment can lead to leaks, fires, explosions and even fatalities.
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Locals claim that this illegal trade is widespread in almost every market in the district and is operating openly in the sight of authorities.
Cylinders are frequently transported on trucks and vans, only to be carelessly unloaded by being tossed onto the ground, further heightening the risk of leaks, fire, or explosions.
Nur Alam, a resident of Khorda Bamandanga in Sadar Upazila, said, “Gas cylinders are kept in roadside tea stalls where fires are always burning. There’s no safety system in place.”
A shopkeeper in Hatibandha Upazila, requesting anonymity, admitted that he sells LPG cylinders without a licence. “We buy supplies from trucks and store them in our shops. But we don’t really know the risks involved,” he said.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer Rokonuzzaman confirmed that the illegal trade persists in the district’s markets, in clear violation of safety regulations.
“This business must operate under rules and structure. We are working with the district administration to conduct mobile court drives regularly,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner of the district HM Rokib Haydar said restrictions have been imposed to prevent the sale of LPG cylinders without a Department of Explosives licence. “Mobile courts are already conducting drives and these operations will continue,” he said.
Even though thousands of LPG cylinders exceed their safe lifespan, they continue to be refilled and delivered to households across the country, contributing to a growing number of gas-related explosions and casualties.
Experts warn that LPG cylinders are extremely flammable and, if mishandled, could cause devastating accidents.