Latest news with #cookinggas
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Economist backs govt's LPG rule enforcement to optimise subsidies
All restaurants, cafés and hawker stalls are required by law to use commercial-grade 14kg LPG cylinders, which cost RM70 each. (AP pic) PETALING JAYA : An economist has expressed support for the government's decision to enforce existing cooking gas cylinder regulations, saying it is necessary to prevent the misuse of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries. Sunway University's Yeah Kim Leng said the move would allow Putrajaya to reduce the RM3.4 billion it spends on LPG subsidies annually, allowing the savings to be reallocated to development programmes. 'The subsidy amount is sizeable and better used for health, education and other welfare development programmes. This should be communicated well, in line with the country's subsidy rationalisation reforms,' he told FMT. Yeah, however, said traders, especially small vendors and hawkers, should be allowed a grace period to help them adjust to the changes. Yeah Kim Leng. 'Rather than forceful enforcement, a more friendly and compassionate approach—such as warnings for first-time offenders and closer monitoring—would be desirable and less disruptive to small traders and hawkers,' he said. Last month, the domestic trade and cost of living ministry launched Ops Gasak in an effort to curb the misuse of subsidised LPG, particularly by industrial users and large-scale businesses. Businesses—including restaurants and cafés—are required to use commercial-grade 14kg LPG cylinders, costing RM70 each, and not subsidised household cylinders priced at RM26. Those that use or store more than 42kg, or three cylinders, must also obtain a scheduled controlled goods permit. Although introduced in 2021, the rule is only now being strictly enforced with the ultimate goal of reducing subsidy leakages. Domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative aims to curb the misuse of subsidised LPG by ineligible sectors and prevent the illegal transfer of gas from subsidised cylinders to non-subsidised ones for resale at a profit. He also said enforcement officers were presently prioritising advocacy over punitive measures, and that no compounds will be issued or seizures conducted at this stage. Yeah said many traders may not even be aware of the regulations in question, and suggested that the government set a grace period before fully enforcing the law. He said small businesses, especially hawkers, may not be familiar with the law. 'Given that many small traders and hawkers are updated through word of mouth, a grace period coupled with well-crafted public communication and education programmes would be helpful in reducing misuse of subsidised gas.'
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Cooking Gas Shortage in Cuba Fuels Electric Demand, Deepening Energy Crisis
Top Cuban officials took to the airwaves as a shortage of cooking gas on the communist-run island prompted an unusual spike in electricity demand that's now exacerbating blackouts. President Miguel Diaz-Canel said electricity demand is exceeding 3,500 megawatts at certain times of the day — about 250 megawatts more than usual — and outstripping the island's 1,935 megawatt capacity.
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Residents urged to take gas safety precautions as temperatures hit over 50°C
As summer temperatures in the UAE soar past 50 degrees Celcius in some areas, safety experts are urging residents and restaurant operators to take extra precautions when handling cooking gas to prevent accidents and fires. This comes after recent fires at restaurants in Al Barsha, which were reportedly caused by gas leaks. When the mercury hits extreme levels, like it has recently, gas cylinders can become dangerous if not stored and handled properly. Mohamed Auon, General Manager at Alaman Gas LPG Bottling Plant in Ajman, explains that high temperatures can cause gas to expand inside the cylinder, increasing pressure and the risk of leaks. 'Always keep cylinders in shaded, well-ventilated areas and away from direct sunlight or heat sources,' he said. 'And never store them in closed or poorly ventilated rooms, especially in summer.' He also mentioned the importance of regular leak checks. 'Use a soap solution to check for leaks, and always turn off the main valve when not using gas appliances.' Warning signs you should never ignore Auon said there are some clear red flags people must act on immediately: The smell of gas A hissing sound near gas pipes or appliances Dead plants near the gas source Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or having difficulty breathing Weak or flickering flames and unusual burner noises 'These are all signs something could be seriously wrong,' he said. 'If you notice any of these, leave the area and call emergency services right away.' Confined kitchens are a hidden danger Faisal El Mais, country manager of Arabian Unigaz, said that poor ventilation is one of the biggest risks in kitchens, especially small or crowded ones. 'Poisonous gases can build up quickly in confined spaces,' said El Mais. 'And if there's too much oxygen or LPG in the air, it can lead to sudden fires or explosions.' He also encourages residents to install gas leak detectors as an extra layer of protection. Why summer makes everything riskier Saleem Ikram, a safety engineer at a facility management company in Jebel Ali, explains that heat causes gas to expand. 'This puts stress on cylinder walls, valves, and joints,' he said. 'Especially if they are old or not maintained properly.' 'Don't leave gas stoves or grills unattended, and always switch off the regulator when you're done.' Key summer safety tips
