as cylinder explosions in urban areas often result in casualties and property damage. Every major city of the country has seen cylinder explosion.

Questions are asked about the cause of these explosions, but that discussion is mostly event centred. For instance, a major gas explosion in Karachi, at an eatery on March 10, resulted in a huge fire that engulfed 150 shops in a timber market on Super Highway.

In May 2024, a gas cylinder explosion had left over fifty people with severe injuries and resulted in five fatalities in Hyderabad. In another case, in January 2020, a massive explosion and fire triggered by a gas cylinder explosion engulfed a small perfume factory.

Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of urban populations to gas cylinder-related hazards, particularly in areas with poorly regulated gas distribution and refilling stations.

There is little awareness of safety protocols. Most people lack knowledge of safe handling of gas cylinders. This leads to unsafe practices. There is no concept of gas detection instruments in homes and gas plant stations, even though gas cylinder explosions happen continue.

Use of substandard cylinders poses increased risks. Another significant factor is the violation of urban planning regulations. Many gas cylinders refill shops are located in densely populated residential areas and there is little adherence to safety codes.

The recent increase in use of LPG cylinders has followed a gas crisis in urban Pakistan. LPG cylinders are mostly used at domestic level. Amidst natural gas shortages, citizens have been forced to look for alternative fuels. Load shedding and low gas pressure at meal time cause difficulties in cooking. Ultimately, citizens are forced to buy LPG cylinders for homes, shops and restaurants.

The explosions have been happening on a regular basis in all provinces and cities.

A newspaper report cited the Punjab Emergency Service data showing that there were 328 incidents of fire caused by leakage and explosion of the LPG cylinders during the last two years in the Punjab. However, the report is not available on the department’s website. This points to the need for gathering data.

In Karachi, like in other cities, households are facing a shortage of gas. As a result, people end up relying on LPG cylinders.

Many Karachi localities have ticking-bombs in the form of substandard LPG cylinders. People have to fend for themselves when a blast occurs.

Since the demand for cylinders has increased exponentially, the prices have also increased. Safe cylinders have become borderline affordable. Given that 62 percent of the city’s population is living in informal settlements and belongs to a low-income group or labor class, more people are purchasing light-sheet cylinders and stove-attachment cylinders. These low-budget options are unsafe and present a risk of catching fire and explosion. In this way, the gas shortage is forcing the urban residents to rely on expensive and, in some cases, life-threatening alternatives.

The production of substandard gas cylinders has resumed once again. The district administration is turning a blind eye to the issue.

In the past few years, countrywide, thousands of people have lost their lives due to faulty or substandard gas cylinders. Use of substandard cylinders raises the risk.

Many Karachi localities have ticking bombs in the form of substandard LPG gas cylinders. When there is an explosion, people are left to fend for themselves.

Awareness is a big issue. Public service and safety messaging happens everywhere in the world. Such messaging is needed to focus on issues of public health and safety.

To mitigate gas explosion risk, it is recommended that everyone follow safety protocols. General instructions include continuously checking connection tubes and switches, tightly closing the valve after each use and keeping the cylinder away from heat sources.

In case of a gas leak the place should be well ventilated. The gas cylinder should be placed away from heat sources. However, in most kitchens in Pakistan, the cylinder is placed close to the stove. The worst arrangement is to place a stove atop a cylinder. This, unfortunately is quite common. In informal settlements kitchens often lack proper ventilation.

There is a need to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic LPG explosions in urban areas and a need for stricter inspections to protect lives and property.

The contributor is a Karachi-based urban planner and geographer