Inter-agency investigation into cooking gas cylinders ongoing

In light of several incidents involving cooking gas cylinders, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), and the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department have met three times to date, to investigate the incidents involving cooking gas cylinders.
As part of the most recent meeting, the group examined interim reports from the respective agencies and agreed to conduct further detailed investigations at the retailer and consumer levels, including matters related to transportation, storage, and use of the cylinders.
According to a statement from the EPA on Friday, each of the incidents will be further reviewed separately to determine the most probable causes, which will help to identify what measures should be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The GNBS and CCAC, in accordance with their respective mandates, are leading the next phase of the investigations, with support from GFS, EPA, GEA, and OSH Department.

As part of the investigation, the agencies have recognised the importance of sensitising the public on the safe transportation, handling, storage, installation, and use of cooking gas cylinders. They will continue their respective information and awareness campaigns, targeting all stakeholders.
Officials from the EPA, GEA, GFS and GNBS, had met Friday, January 24, 2025, to coordinate efforts aimed at reviewing the recent series of suspected cooking gas cylinder-related explosions across the country.
In a media release, the EPA had noted that at the meeting, discussions focused on sharing findings, and actions taken by the respective agencies, with the aim of identifying key strategic actions and engagement of the various stakeholders.
It was agreed at the meeting that, for immediate first steps, all agencies involved will continue their inspections and investigations of the various facilities and components, in keeping with their respective mandates. In addition, the agencies agreed to share their respective reports, findings and recommendations.
It was also agreed that following the review of the respective inspections, investigations and recommendations, a report would be prepared with an appropriate action plan, inclusive of safety measures for suppliers of the products, vendors and consumers.
This meeting came one day after Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told this publication at his press conference, that the regulatory bodies of the State need to immediately look into these incidents.