DPR issues new guidelines for operations of downstream gas facilities

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has released new guidelines for the establishment and operations of downstream gas facilities across the country.

The new guideline comes after the gas explosion that occurred on October 8, 2020 in Baruwa, Ipaja that claimed about five lives and destroyed over 20 properties.

In a statement on Sunday, Sarki Auwalu, director of DPR, said the guidelines stipulate the minimum requirements, procedures and conditions to be fulfilled before the grant of approvals or licences for the construction, installation, modification, takeover, relocation and operations of downstream gas facilities in Nigeria.

The guideline also has provision for the establishment and operations of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, refilling plants and retail outlets; establishment of auto gas refuelling stations and add-on gas facility; and establishment of gas storage and utilization.

Auwalu explained that the guidelines was developed to enhance gas penetration and utilization, enhance operational safety as well as ease of doing business in the oil and gas sector.

“Companies intending to establish these facilities must satisfy all necessary requirements stipulated by DPR and obtain site suitability approval; approval to construct (ATC)/approval to install; and licence to operate,” he said.

“Necessary amenities and equipment’s like functional automated/manual leak tester; functional fire alarm system, and mounted gas detectors; adequate fire water storage and sprinklers; perimeter fence with fire wall amongst others must be provided in the facilities.”

He further said the objectives of the guidelines was to ensure that the baseline standard regarding health, safety and environment (HSE) was achieved and maintained in all the facilities.

On the gas explosion incident, Auwalu said the preliminary reports from DPR investigations shows that the gas station (Best Roof Gas Plant Station) was operating without licence and was carrying out illegal operations.

He, however, promised that DPR would continue to update the public on the progress of its ongoing investigation into the incident.