Composition change blamed for gas explosions

25 November 2021 09:46 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Following the Government Analyst’s reports that confirmed the cause of recent explosions in Colombo, Weligama and Kandy were due to gas leaks, the Sri Lanka Standard Institution is criticised for not taking action against the complaints received from the general public regarding leaks in gas cylinders.

On June 18 under the heading ‘Is Litro Gas above the regulator?’ and on August 25 under the heading ‘Rumble in the Sri Lanka gas market’ the Daily Mirror exclusively reported as to how the former Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Executive Director Thushan Gunawardena’s continuous requests made to Sri Lanka Standard Institution (SLSI) Director General

Dr. Siddhika Senaratne to bring regulations to introduce a standard composition in LP Gas in order to save the lives of the consumers was ignored by the latter.

From April, due to unknown reasons, the gas composition in a cylinder was changed by both Litro and Laugfs without approval from the SLSI to 50:50 of Butane and Propane respectively from Butane 80: Propane 20; which is said to be the reason for the complaints received that the valves of some cylinders were leaking.

Gunawardena told the Daily Mirror yesterday that he is confident that all these explosions were due to the change of gas composition. “I predicted such dangers way back in June this year, following a meeting other officials and I at the CAA had with State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna and DG SLSI, Siddhika Senaratne. Given that Sri Lanka is a tropical country the composition of LP Gas should have a lower percentage of Propane and a higher percentage of Butane,” Gunawardena said.

According to Gunawardena, former Chairman Litro Gas, Anil Koswatte was lost for answers when inquired as to why he got the LP Gas composition of Butane and Propane changed from a 80:20 ratio to a 50:50 ratio. I informed the SLSI how dangerous it is to have a 50:50 ratio as experts warned that a high Propane level in a domestic cylinder was dangerous and there are possibilities of an explosion taking place, but Siddhika Senaratne never took action to regulate the standard composition of the LP Gas,” Gunawardena added. He further said as to how he sent an e-mail on June 10 to Minister Bandula Gunawardena and

State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna to take immediate action to enact a regulation under section 72 of the CAA Act to ensure that gas companies do not risk the lives of the citizen by changing the composition for profiteering; ignoring the possible risk factors of Propane increase in the composition, which is hazardous to the life and property of consumers.

“I knew that this could pose a serious hazard and the possible loss of lives which has now proved to be true. Neither Bandula Gunawardena nor Lasantha Alagiyawanna took any action in response to my request,” Gunawardena claimed. (NIRMALA KANNANGARA)

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Comments - 17

sunil Thursday, 25 November 2021 09:57 AM

Why do not you all take legal action.

Aran Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:58 PM

Saying the facts means condemning a people govt

Robert Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:02 AM

Government only for MNC not for the Public

Kikazaru Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:04 AM

This is serious and needs quick remedial action. I too noticed this in my gas hob. At time when turning on the gas and the ignition (auto) I get a sound of a explosion. Sri Lanka has gone to the dogs, with my apologies to the dogs.

Robert Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:16 AM

So...... This Government sets Time Bomb in each and every House. Is this including that 6.9m too no? This is dangerous than Sharan Attack on April.

MirakRajBanda Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:18 AM

DO you want to win the next election? TID should conduct an immediate investigation whether LP Gas any connection with ISIS, LTTE or Virathu's 69 terror organisations.

sumathi gunaratne Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:24 AM

how will Bandula take action against Laugfs wegapitiya crook when Bandula is on his payroll.

Don Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:25 AM

When idiots become ministers and professionals become slaves of politicians, even God can not help public. God…if you can not protect innocent people why not YOU hep people by sending a big thunder bolt to Parliament when all these lunatics are there in deep slumber.

Niyas Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:25 AM

Authorities are waiting until loss of many lives like Kurunjankeni in Kinniya as usual

Dee Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:32 AM

Is this due to negligence of the YP govt during 2015-2019 period?

Sam Edwards Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:33 AM

OMG! that means the domestic gas cylinders also at risk of explosion???

Mahesh Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:36 AM

So someone should file criminal charges against Gas companies and ministers who failed to act promptly.

gamarala Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:47 AM

Bandula, Lasantha and CAA are blind. They even know what they are doing.

CJ Thursday, 25 November 2021 12:11 PM

Should take legal action without delay. What an irresponsible behaviour?

Prince janak Wellage Thursday, 25 November 2021 12:40 PM

My dear customer, I will tell bitter truth regrading this company. They spend huge money to cover the truth. 1, 12.5 kg LPG you can not afford to use totally. There some residue remain cylinder, my 18 years periods of time this company got 50 MT per month from customer, in srilanka ther is no government regularity body to catch this. If they find company spend huge money for cover it.

Upulpb Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:33 PM

Our more blastHo in the morning at Hokandara

Patriot Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:57 PM

Pls withdraw all the cylinders from the market already supplied and replace with 80-20 composition without delay before Sri Lanka is on fire and become a mortuary

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Composition change blamed for gas explosions

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