Gas explosions

In the recent past, the number of LP gas explosions, yearly, was around 50. However, according to media reports, currently an average of 10 gas explosions are being reported, daily, indicating that the number of explosions has increased significantly. The ratio of butane to propane in the LP gas mixture, supplied earlier was 80: 20.. This was changed to 50:50 and along with it the number of LP gas explosions has substantially increased. Litro Gas, one of the gas suppliers, attributed the increase in gas explosions to technical faults in regulators, gas cookers, etc. and negligence in kitchens. However, it should be noted that the problem intensified after the propane-butane composition of the LP gas pumped into domestic gas cylinders was changed, perhaps prompted by increases in global gas prices.

As indicated in Prof. Ilepruma’s article in The Island of 10 December on gas explosions, in most developed countries the use of propane gas is prohibited for domestic use and allowed only for outdoor use. Instead, the gas companies in Sri Lanka have increased the amount of propane in the gas mixture which is likely to have caused an increase in gas explosions. Those who took the decision to increase the % of propane in the gas mixture appear to have not given any thought, or unaware of the dangerous effects of increasing the % propane in the gas mixture which resulted in an increase in the number of gas explosions.

The most obvious action to be taken by the gas companies if they are keen to reduce the incidents of gas explosion which is causing immense problems to the consumers, is to revert to the previous ratio of butane to propane (80:20). If not, the Consumer Affairs Minister should take appropriate action.

Dr. C. S. Weeraratna

csweera@sltnet.lk