Omera LPG roundtable highlights Bangladesh's LPG growth, safety challenges

Omera, the largest LPG operator in Bangladesh, reaffirms its commitment to providing environmentally friendly alternative energy solutions with a recent roundtable discussion titled “The Impact of LPG as Clean Fuel on Health and Safety.”

The discussion, held at Omera’s corporate headquarters on World Day for Health and Safety, aimed to uphold the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) mission to raise awareness and advocate for safer and healthier workplaces worldwide, according to a press release.

With the theme “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” the discussion delved into the current growth of Bangladesh’s LPG sector, addressed regulatory hurdles faced by operators, and explored the health and safety implications of LPG. 

The roundtable – chaired by Mr Nurul Amin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) – included a panel of esteemed members including Dr. MD. Helal Uddin NDC, Member GAS, BERC; Mohammad Faruque Hossain, Chief Inspector, Department of Explosives; Md Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan, BFM, Deputy Director (Operations & Maintenance) Fire Service and Civil Defense Directorate; Major (Engr.) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (Retd), Member (Development), RAJUK; Liakat Ali Bhuiyan, Sr. Vice-President, Real Estate & Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB); Imran Hassan, Secretary-General, Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association; Jahir Khan, President, Chef’s Federation of Bangladesh; HM Hakim Ali, President, Bangladesh International Hotel Association and Muhammed Ahsanul Jabbar, Secretary General, LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB).

The meeting was moderated by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tanzeem Chowdhury of Omera Petroleum Limited.

During the meeting, the speakers said the impact of LPG on the environment and health is profound and positive. In comparison to other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, LPG emits significantly fewer pollutants, with CO2 emissions being 33 per cent less than coal and 12 per cent less than oil. Furthermore, LPG combustion does not produce smoke, making it a cleaner option for indoor and outdoor use. In terms of environmental conservation, just one metric ton of LPG can save the equivalent of 47 full-grown trees, highlighting its role in mitigating deforestation. Moreover, using LPG for heating and cooking reduces the exposure to harmful pollutants, contributing to better respiratory health compared to traditional wood-fired methods. Overall, the adoption of LPG offers a sustainable and healthier alternative for both the environment and individuals.  Responding to various allegations, the report blamed malpractices in Bangladesh’s LPG sector to factors such as cross-filling, inadequate awareness about LPG usage, misinformation in media communication, and improper design and installation of LPG systems.

In Bangladesh LPG has 3-billion-dollar investment, where private sectors have 98 percents and public sector has only 2 percents market share. Many factors act as catalysts in the development of this sector. These include- energy transition, urbanization, government initiatives, environmental concerns, ease of distribution, industrial and commercial applications etc.

During the discussion, Mr Nurul Amin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), attending the event as the chief guest, stated, “Once upon a time, village mothers used to be engulfed in smoke while cooking. I saw my mother’s tears in the smoke from cooking with wood. Village housewives got relief from that suffering after LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) cylinder came. We want the use of LPG to increase at a greater rate.”

Nurul Amin said, “I found the transportation and storage method of LPG to be safe during the on-site inspection.  BERC announces new LPG prices in the first week of every month. As we have seen, Omera LPG cylinders are sold at BERC fixed prices. For this, I thank the Omera authorities.”

BERC Chairman Nurul Amin also said, “We will formulate rules and guidelines to make LPG use safe. In order to create responsibility as well as awareness in this regard. This sector has unlimited potential. So, sector-wise planning is very important.”

Mentioning that there is a huge market for LPG in the country, the BERC chairman said, “Earlier we used to see fish markets in villages, later we saw tree markets. Now we see LPG market at rural level. 

He announced to organise a workshop with stakeholders, businessmen and others related to the sector. 

The speakers at the event also said that the use of LPG cylinders in homes and commercial segment in Bangladesh has increased a lot. Consequently, caution and awareness in LPG use is more important than before. Besides, it is important for the government to pay attention to this sector with policy support. 

Mohammad Faruque Hossain, chief inspector of the Directorate of Explosives, said that in many cases negative propaganda is done about LPG cylinders without knowing. In the last two and a half months, including the Bailey Road accident, three major incidents in Dhaka and Gazipur have been said to have involved cylinder explosions, but we have not found any evidence.

He also said that as per the international standard, it is mandatory to re-test cylinders in every ten years. It is also encouraging that Omera is the only one to start this initiative and established a factory for refurbishment. 

Emphasising the usage rules and warnings on each cylinder, he said that currently many operators have been given LPG licenses. These operators have numerous distributors.

He called upon the distributors to be more responsible, especially in transporting and storing LPG cylinders. 

RAJUK Member (Development) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury (retd) said that RAJUK has been making separate structures for gas cylinders for a long time in building buildings. RAJUK has plans to make gas tanks in the near-future.

LOAB Secretary General Mohammad Ahsanul Jabbar said that LPG can be one of the main businesses of the country in the future. However, this industry is almost entirely dependent on imports. Only 2 percent is produced in the country. The consumption of LPG in the country has increased manifold in a decade. In 2019, the consumption increased to around 1 million tonnes and the number of customers also increased to 3.8 million. In 2009, the demand was only 47 thousand tonnes. The demand is expected to rise to 3 million tonnes in 2030.