Latest LP gas shipment fails quality test as explosions continue

As more LP gas cylinder linked explosions continue to be reported from various parts of the country, tests have reportedly revealed that a stock of 3700 metric tonnes of gas imported by state-owned Litro Gas does not comply with the required ethyl mercaptan standards. 

Early this morning, a gas cooker at the residence of a lecturer at the University of Colombo exploded at Thunnalai in Jaffna. The lecturer's wife suffered injuries in the incident. Inmates of the house claimed that the gas cylinder linked to the explosion had been purchased yesterday. 

Gas cylinder linked explosions were also reported from Kesbewa, Kalutara, Anuradhapura and Hanguranketha as well during the past 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, the funeral of a 51-year-old mother of four who succumbed due to burn injuries sustained after her gas cooker allegedly exploded is to be held today. 

Tests carried out on the latest shipment of 3700 metric tonnes of gas imported by Litro Gas have also reportedly revealed that the shipment does not meet with the standard level of ethyl mercaptan. 

A final decision on whether to reject the shipment or not will be taken later today after a meeting of the Technical Committee appointed to look into the level of ethyl mercaptan. 

The level of ethyl mercaptan is required in the gas to allow consumers detect a gas leak.