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Pertamina blamed for safety faults, gas explosions
A new study by the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) says massive safety flaws are to blame for a spate of almost 100 gas explosions in households
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new study by the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) says massive safety flaws are to blame for a spate of almost 100 gas explosions in households.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the agency said the poor quality of products distributed by the appointed contractor for the kerosene-to-gas conversion program, oil and gas producer PT Pertamina, was the main reason for gas leaks that had led to the explosions.
As of the end of June there had been 95 explosions, 22 deaths, 131 people hospitalized for injuries and 55 houses damaged in gas explosions. The incidents mostly occurred in Jakarta, Greater Jakarta and West Java.
The program, launched in May 8, 2007, was intended to reduce the government’s energy subsidies by replacing household kerosene cooking fuel with LPG.
Under a government commission, Pertamina distributed conversion kits to households, comprising one 3-kilogram gas canister, a stove, a hose and a regulator. By of the end of May 2010, Pertamina had distributed 44.8 million kits, almost all of which had been imported from China.
An updated study conducted by BPKN reveals that all hoses, two-thirds of the canister checkvalves, half of the stoves, 20 percent of the regulators and 7 percent of the canisters did not meet safety standards.
Pertamina had failed to specify the life expectancy of the gas hoses, which according to international standards ranged between one and two years, BPKN complaints and resolutions coordinator H. Gunarto said.
Previously, a study conducted by the National Center for Research, Science and Technology found leaks in the welding in the 3-kg canisters and in the connection between the canister and its check valve.
Customers have also reported that the check valve often does not fit the gas regulators properly, having tried various regulators available.
At a press briefing held at the Vice Presidential Palace, the government blamed the series of explosions
on the market for distributing gas hoses and regulators that did not meet Indonesian National Standards (SNI).
Judging by the life expectancy of the gas hoses, Gunarto said a series of explosions would occur in Central and East Java, as distributions of kits in these regions were carried out later. On Thursday, gas-related explosions occurred in Malang, East Java, and Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
BPKN chairwoman Suarhatini Hadad said Pertamina and the Industry Ministry were largely to blame for the mess caused by the safety violations.
“Pertamina was too hasty in distributing the conversion kits, while the Industry Ministry failed to check the products and ensure safety,” Suarhatini said.
Pertamina, however, is not solely responsible for the mistake. Separate investigative reports had indicated that private distributors of gas had tampered with the check valves on 3-kg canisters so they could mix the gas with other substances to increase profits. This could damage the valves, and potentially cause leaks, the reports said.
To date Pertamina has not made an announcement to recall any items related to the kits it distributed, but the company said it would ensure the quality of new canisters and fittings entering the market to replace the “damaged” ones.
