Gas cylinder sector: Senate panel underscores need for strict regulatory mechanisms

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat recommended the introduction of strict regulatory mechanisms in the gas cylinder sector to ensure safety, quality control, and accountability across the supply chain.

The committee also raised alarm over a surge in gas cylinder explosions, questioning regulatory failures and weak enforcement by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), while urging urgent, coordinated government action to ensure public safety.

The committee met with Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti in the chair at Parliament House on Monday. The meeting was attended by Senators Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi, Dr AfnanUllah Khan, Saleem Mandviwalla (via Zoom), and Syed Waqar Mehdi (via Zoom), during which critical issues related to public safety, regulatory gaps, and governance failures were discussed in detail. The committee held an extensive discussion on the alarming increase in gas cylinder explosions across the country, terming the situation a matter of serious public concern.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan demanded a comprehensive and data-driven report on gas cylinders, calling for the complete history and usage trends in Pakistan. He sought detailed monthly consumption figures as well as a consolidated report on gas cylinder explosions over the past ten years.

Raising questions over accountability, Senator Aimal Wali stressed the need for transparency in investigations and action against those responsible for such incidents. He observed that legislation alone is insufficient, highlighting implementation as the core challenge. He questioned, “Laws are made, who will implement them, and how will they be implemented?” and further remarked, “We are only making laws, implementation is nowhere to be seen.”

The committee expressed concern over ambiguity regarding the powers of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), particularly in relation to enforcement responsibilities.

Members debated whether additional powers should be granted to the OGRA, while also questioning its current performance. Serious reservations were raised regarding the quality and safety standards of gas cylinders nationwide, with members questioning whether manufacturing in-country meets acceptable safety benchmarks.

Senator Aimal Wali pointed out structural discrepancies in the sector, noting that only 18 companies are registered across Pakistan, while a single district reportedly hosts as many as 150 cylinder manufacturers, raising serious regulatory concerns.

To address these challenges, Senator Aimal Wali proposed the formation of a joint and empowered committee comprising members of the National Assembly, Senate, and OGRA officials. He emphasised that the issue extends beyond OGRA, stating that the government must assume direct responsibility.

Senator Saadia Abbasi strongly criticized delays in legislative and executive action, stating, “Legislation is the responsibility of the government; delay is unacceptable.”

She questioned the enforcement framework, asking what action would be taken against unregistered operators. Highlighting market inconsistencies, she raised concerns over the wide variation in cylinder prices, ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026