All gas and gasoline filling stations operating in Fergana region will be inspected for compliance with established norms and standards, according to an order from regional governor Khayrullo Bozarov, the press service of the region’s hokimiyat said.
On 17 December, an explosion occurred at a multi-fuel (gas and gasoline) station located near residential buildings in to the center of the Fergana city. Official reports said four people died and several were injured. Residents of a nearby apartment building were evacuated.
To prevent such incidents and ensure safety compliance, a working group was formed. It includes representatives from the state oil and gas inspection, Emergency Department, Hududgaz Ferghana gas supply company and other relevant organizations.
The task team will inspect gas (compressed and liquified) and gasoline filling stations for compliance with industrial, fire and environmental safety standards, as well as assess the condition of fuel storage tanks and adherence to other legal norms.
Financial operations of gas stations will not be checked during these inspections, and stations will continue to operate as usual, the statements added.
Additionally, employees of all filling station in the region, regardless of their organization’s legal status, will undergo training under a program at the regional Emergency Department.
Earlier, it was reported that five individuals had been detained as part of a criminal case related to the explosion.
