The Punjab government has decided to control the illegal LPG tedly factories instead of grabbing them, in an attempt to address the increasing safety risks associated with irregular operations. The decision was taken by the Permanent Cabinet Committee in the Punjab of Law and the System in response to a series of devastating liquefied petroleum gas explosions in the province.
The last explosion occurred on January 27, 2025, in Multan, where the LPG tanker exploded during the re -filling, killing 19 people and wounding 38 others. The explosion carried out 40 homes and partial damage 70.
To reduce these repeated incidents, the Standing Committee agreed to the policy of “getting rid of weeds”, according to which the government will take control of illegal factories instead of closing them without procedure. The Ministry of Interior was also directed to consult with the Ministry of Law on registering cases under the Anti -Terrorism Law (ATA) against the participants in the illegal LPG operations, as the committee considered these incidents similar to terrorism due to its devastating impact.
The committee issued instructions to the private branch and the intelligence office to collect a comprehensive list of all illegal factories operating in Punjab and identify officials who facilitate such companies.
In addition, it called for the enhancement of coordination with the Oil and Gas Organization (OGRA) and the other stakeholders to enhance organizational oversight, especially in the south of Punjab, where enforcement remains weak.
The main measure approved during the meeting includes tracking and tracking LPG transmission vehicles, known as BowSERS, to prevent irregular gas transportation. The committee also stressed the importance of maintaining the control of provinces on gasoline pumps and the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas, and rejecting proposals to transfer the regulatory forces into the federal government.
