ISLAMABAD: In order to uphold safety standards and regulatory compliance in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has taken decisive action against nine LPG Equipment manufacturers and delisted them from OGRA’s authorized list.
As per details, OGRA has taken stringent measures against nine LPG equipment manufacturers of the country as a response to non-compliance issues, raising concerns about the safety and quality of LPG equipment produced by these manufacturers.
The manufacturers facing delisting include M/s NAB Engineers, Gujranwala; M/s Adnan Ahmed Company, Gujranwala; M/s 3 Star Engineering Works, Gujranwala; M/s North Appliances Services (Pvt.) Ltd, Gujranwala; M/s Al Nafees Gas Appliances, Gujranwala; M/s Al Hafiz Engineering Company, Gujranwala; M/s Fauz Engineering Ltd; M/s Descon Engineering Limited, Karachi; and M/s International Fabrication Company, Lahore. These companies are primarily engaged in the production of LPG cylinders, LPG storage tanks, bullets, and bowsers.
The OGRA’s decision to delist these manufacturers stems from their failure to meet the regulatory standards set by the authority, potentially jeopardizing the safety of LPG equipment used across the industry, said sources of OGRA. Non-compliance issues can range from substandard manufacturing practices to insufficient quality control measures, posing a significant risk to both industry stakeholders and end consumers, they added.
It is relevant to note that OGRA has not only removed these manufacturers from its authorized list but has also issued a stern advisory to all LPG Marketing Companies and urged them to refrain from purchasing equipment from these delisted entities. This precautionary measure aims to prevent the circulation of potentially unsafe LPG equipment within the market.
Sources said that the regulatory authority’s commitment to stringent quality control and safety measures underscores its dedication to safeguarding public welfare and ensuring the smooth functioning of the LPG industry. They said that this crackdown on non-compliant manufacturers is expected to send a strong message across the industry, emphasizing the importance of adherence to regulatory standards. They said the affected companies now face the challenge of rectifying their non-compliance issues to regain OGRA’s approval, highlighting the stringent nature of the regulatory framework governing the LPG sector. As OGRA moved to strict action, stakeholders in the LPG industry has anticipated improved safety standards and enhanced regulatory compliance, said the sources.
Irfan Khokhar, Chairman, LPG Industries Association of Pakistan requested the OGRA authority that all other OGRA licensed companies should be audited. The OGRA licensed LPG cylinder manufacturers will also be found involved in manufacturing substandard LPG cylinders, said Irfan Khokhar.
