Punjab govt to take ‘control’ of illegal LPG decanting plants

LAHORE: The provincial government would take control of illegal decanting plants instead of simply seizing them, Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee for Law and Order decided as part of measures to tackle the practice, following a series of deadly LPG tanker explosions in the province, highly placed sources told Jang.

The standing committee in a recent meeting approved a series of crucial decisions aimed at curbing hazardous decanting operations, which are endangering lives and properties. A key measure is the formulation of a “weeding-out” policy, which will see the government take control of illegal decanting plants rather than simply seizing them.

The most recent tragedy occurred on January 27, 2025, when an LPG tanker exploded during refilling operations at an unregulated warehouse in Hamid Pur Kanora area of Multan. The explosion killed 19 people and injured 38 others. It also caused massive destruction, with 40 homes completely destroyed and 70 partially damaged. Just a day later, another explosion occurred in DG Khan, where a 60-year-old man died, and two firefighters sustained injuries while trying to control the blaze.

In the light of these catastrophic incidents, the Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee convened to address the growing danger posed by illegal decanting plants and approved a series of crucial decisions.

Emphasizing the severity of the issue, the committee directed the home department to seek advice from the law department for the registration of FIRs under Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against individuals involved in illegal decanting businesses. These explosions, the committee noted, are as dangerous as acts of terrorism, justifying the application of stringent laws. It was also decided that the Special Branch and Intelligence Bureau would collaborate with the home department to provide detailed data on illegal decanting plants operating throughout Punjab. The committee specifically directed that lists of officials found involved in this illegal trade be provided.

Recognising the need for increased enforcement in the region, the committee called for a meeting with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and other stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance OGRA’s presence, staff and resources in South Punjab.

This is expected to improve monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations, particularly regarding LPG storage and distribution. The committee also stressed the importance of tracking and tracing LPG transport vehicles, known as “bowsers,” to prevent illicit activities related to the transportation of gas.

The committee reaffirmed the importance of maintaining provincial control over the regulation of petrol pumps and LPG distribution, urging that these powers should not be transferred to the federal government. This move would ensure that the provincial authorities retain full oversight over the safety measures and enforcement needed to protect the public from the dangers of illegal decanting plants.

The swift actions taken by the Punjab government reflect its commitment to addressing the root causes of these deadly explosions and ensuring that such incidents do not occur again. With increased enforcement, tighter regulations and a more coordinated effort across various agencies, the government aims to eliminate illegal decanting plants and safeguard the people of Punjab from further harm. The inquiry into the Multan explosion, led by the commissioner of Multan, is still ongoing, and its findings will likely help in deciding further steps to strengthen safety protocols and enforcement in the future.