Using LPG for cooking could help billions of people get better health, a cleaner environment, and economic advantages. However, safety is a key concern at every stage of an LPG cylinder’s journey—from the factory to the refilling plant and finally to the home. LPG can be dangerous if not handled properly, leading to accidents. Data indicates that over 6,700 LPG cylinder accidents were reported since 2016-17. However, data inconsistencies between various sources raise concerns.
The United Nations has set a goal to ensure everyone has access to “affordable and clean energy,” aiming for universal access to clean cooking by 2030. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a vital part of this effort. By switching to LPG for cooking, billions of people could benefit from better health, a cleaner environment, and economic advantages. However, safety is a key concern at every stage of an LPG cylinder’s journey—from the factory to the refilling plant and finally to the home. LPG can be dangerous if not handled properly, leading to accidents that cause harm to people and significant financial costs. These incidents, often highlighted by the media, can also create public fear and erode trust in LPG.
In today’s article, we delve into statistics on LPG Cylinder Accidents in India.
More than 6700 accidents due to LPG Cylinder blasts since 2016-17
Despite being a cleaner fuel and relatively safer, accidents involving LPG usage create fear, thereby discouraging its usage. LPG cylinders in India are manufactured in compliance with Indian Standards (IS): 3196 (Part-I) 2006. Each production batch undergoes rigorous testing by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) following the sampling protocol outlined in clause 3.7 of IS 3196 (Part-I) before being dispatched. In accordance with the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016, these cylinders must be periodically re-tested to ensure their safety for continued use. The first re-test is conducted 10 years after manufacturing, with subsequent tests scheduled every five years thereafter. Below is the representational life cycle of a cylinder.
Among the accidents, the most common ones include non-fatal burns whereas the most serious ones involve the explosion of cylinders. Accidents involving domestic LPG cylinders can arise from various factors, including pilferage, unauthorized transfer of LPG from domestic to commercial cylinders, use of non-standard or unapproved equipment, improper handling by consumers, or neglect in maintaining essential components. Common issues include worn-out hosepipes due to infrequent replacements, damaged O-rings, leaks from hoses or stoves, and cylinder bursts caused by excessive heat during unrelated fires.
Data from Oil Manufacturing Companies (OMCs) reveals that between 2011-12 and 2013-14, 670 accidents were attributed to LPG cylinders, with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) responsible for about two-thirds of these cases. In a later period, from 2016-17 to 2024-25 (up to September), over 6,700 accidents were reported. However, detailed company-wise data is available only until 2022-23 (April-December), during which 6,051 incidents were recorded. Among these, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC – Indane Gas) accounted for nearly half, with 3,075 cases, followed by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPC – HP Gas) with 1,731 accidents, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPC – Bharat Gas) with 1,245 cases.
Maharashtra, UP, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Rajasthan account for half of LPG accidents
The state-wise distribution of LPG accidents is available from 2021-22 to 2024-25(Apr to September). The data indicates that there have been around 1869 accidents related to LPG cylinders, out of which Maharashtra accounted for 307, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 208, Tamil Nadu at 169, Bihar at 134, and Rajasthan at 130 accidents. Together, these five states account for approximately 51% of the total LPG accidents during this period.
In terms of fatalities, a total of 473 fatalities were recorded during this period, out of which Rajasthan accounted for 71 deaths, Maharashtra at 63 deaths, UP at 54 deaths, Tamil Nadu at 48 deaths and Bihar at 47 deaths. Together, these five states account for 60% of all LPG accident fatalities.
Over ₹150 Crore paid as compensation for LPG Cylinder accidents since 2016-17
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) maintain a comprehensive insurance policy known as the ‘Public Liability Policy for Oil Industries’, which extends coverage to all LPG consumers registered with them. This policy is designed to address losses stemming from accidents where LPG is the primary cause of fire. It is important to note that the Public Liability Insurance Policy taken by OMCs is specifically designed to cover losses resulting from accidents where LPG is the primary cause of the fire. Incidents where the fire originates from other sources and later involves LPG cylinders, leading to their bursting, are not covered under this policy.
Key Features of the Insurance Policy:
- Personal Accident Cover: ₹6,00,000 per individual in case of death.
- Medical Expenses: Up to ₹30 lakh per event, capped at ₹2,00,000 per person.
- Property Damage: Maximum coverage of ₹2,00,000 per event, applicable only at the authorized customer’s registered premises.
The policy offers financial protection and timely compensation to victims of LPG cylinder-related accidents. Data on claim settlements highlights the support provided under this framework. Between 2016-17 and 2024-25 (up to September), a total of ₹155 crore was disbursed as compensation. Notably, the highest payout (not necessarily for accidents from that year) was recorded in 2019-20, amounting to ₹24.09 crore.
Discrepancy in data on LPG Cylinder accidents
The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) maintain data on accidents involving LPG cylinders, while the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) publishes similar statistics in its ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI)’ reports. However, discrepancies in definitions and reporting methods create challenges in accurately assessing safety issues related to LPG usage.
Here is the information presented in a table format for clarity
The stark differences between OMC and ADSI figures raise concerns about the reliability and comprehensiveness of the data. These inconsistencies undermine efforts to accurately evaluate and address safety risks surrounding LPG usage in India.
