Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) – Stakeholders at a roundtable discussion today urged all to build awareness about liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) use and installation as lack of awareness regarding the safe handling of LPG often leads to fatal accidents.

Although uses of LPG have increased in the country due to shortage of natural gas, but public awareness about the safe handling of LPG has not built in comparison, they observed. 

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), LPG Owners Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) and Energy and Power Magazine jointly organized the roundtable discussion titled “Bangladesh’s LPG Sector Faces Rising Safety and Regulatory Challenges” with Mohammad Amirul Haque, president of LOAB, in the chair.

Energy and Power Editor Molla Amzad Hossain moderated the roundtable discussion while BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed addressed as the chief guest.

Jalal Ahmed said LPG is now gaining importance due to the natural gas crisis, adding, “Use of LPG is increasing day by day. Training on national-level campaigns on safety should be launched.”

He said that proposals to introduce training on LPG safety and formulate policies should be taken forward. 

Professor Yasir Arafat Khan, a teacher in the Chemical Engineering Department of BUET, said that complete safety training is needed for sellers at all levels, starting from users. 

“There is unauthorized storage in many places. Safety equipment is also not available in many places. Many do not install safety tools. The LPG sector is growing, but the issue of safety is not getting proper importance,” he said. 

Khan said that 90 percent of LPG stations are being operated without valid license from Department of Explosive, indicating widespread non-compliance and lack of safety verification, adding, “The absence of a specialized LPG training programme and licensing system allows untrained technicians to perform high-risk LPG maintenance works.”

He said that the annual demand for LPG in Bangladesh is now 1.5 to 1.8 million tonnes.

“Illegal cross-filling of LPG cylinders from autogas stations is taking place. This may lead to new accidents,” he added.

Referring to the Bailey Road explosion, Professor Yasir said that within two minutes of the explosion, the fire had spread from the ground floor to the top. 

The fire service arrived within six minutes. There were gas cylinders everywhere on the ground floor and stairs of the building. There could have been a leakage while transporting gas.

LOAB President Amirul Haque said, "LPG prices are fixed at a very reasonable level. But none of us can deny the issue of safety. Everyone has to achieve compliance through a joint initiative of the BERC and the Department of Explosives.”

BERC member Syeda Razia Sultana said that awareness is necessary for LPG users and also LPG stations. 

LPG Autogas Station Association President Sirajul Mawla said, “We are struggling with safety issues. The main reason for substandard equipment, another is the lack of proper knowledge among users.”