Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Boediono has asked state oil and gas company PT Pertamina to increase its awareness and preparedness over the threat of 3-kilograms gas canister explosions.
 
"I know that PT Pertamina has now begun monitoring gas canister distribution but I ask the company to continue stepping up its readiness and alertness," Boediono told reporters during an inspection of the operations of Pertamina`s Gas Canister Explosion Crisis Center at the company`s head office here Monday.

At least two million canisters are now being physically inspected for any leakage while many others are still at their distribution depots to be withdrawn if a defect is found, he said.

Besides leaking canisters, Pertamina must also deal with illegal gas refilling operations which had possibly also caused the canister explosions, Boediono said , adding the illegal activity was related to a disparity between the prices of three- and 12- kilogram gas canisters the market.

"The price disparity encouraged the illegal gas refilling practices pf some irresponsible individuals or groups," he said.

On the occasion, Pertamina President Director Karen Agustiawan briefed Boediono on Pertamina`s efforts to familiarize the public with the safe use and handling of 3-kg LPG canisters.

The familiarization efforts were being made by a small Pertaimna team that was working in cooperating with The Social Welfare Ministry, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry and the Interior Affairs Ministry.

Also taking part in the efforts were housewives` organizations in the community that provided counseling to people at the grassroots level on minimizing the risk of LPG canister explosions.
(Uu.A050/HAJM/A014/P003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
COPYRIGHT © 2012

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