The PNGRB has amended the 2019 Technical Standards and Safety Standards for LPG Storage, Handling, and Bottling Facilities. The revision strengthens compliance, monitoring, and penalty provisions. The earlier framework was limited in terms of enforcement and did not provide detailed procedures for penal action in case of violations.

Existing Regulation 8, shall be substituted as under:

“ (1) There shall be an established comprehensive system to ensure compliance with the provisions of these regulations, encompassing the conduct of technical and safety audits throughout the stages of design, pre-construction, construction, commissioning, and operation, and also on an ongoing basis, as periodically specified. Details of any planned project along with Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR), layout, PESO approval and Environmental Clearance etc. as may be applicable, shall be submitted to Board at least one month prior to commencing the construction.

 (2) The Board shall monitor the compliance with Technical Standards and Specifications, including Safety Standards, either directly or through an accredited third party via separate regulations on third-party conformity assessment.

(3) For the purpose of these Regulations, in event of any default or deviation or shortfall, the entity shall be liable to face the imposition of civil penalty as per Section 28 of the PNGRB Act, 2006 and/or suspension/termination of operation, as per following procedure:

• The Board shall issue a notice to the entity, allowing it a reasonable time period to fulfil its obligations under the regulations;
• No punitive action shall be taken in case remedial action is taken by the entity, to the satisfaction of the Board, within the time period specified by the Board;
• In case the entity fails to undertake remedial action within such time period, the Board may, after giving such entity an opportunity of being heard, by order in writing, direct that, without prejudice to any other penalty which the entity may be liable for, such entity shall pay, by way of civil penalty, an amount which shall not exceed one crore rupees for each contravention, and in case of a continuing failure, additional penalty which may extend to ten lakh rupees for every day. In addition, the Board, if it deems appropriate, may direct for suspension or termination of operations of the said entity.
• If the entity fails to comply with the directions passed by the Board, as provided in clause (c), the Board may take appropriate action as prescribed for offences and punishment under Chapter IX of the Act.

Provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in clauses (a) to (d) of sub-regulation (3), in cases

• where the violation on the part of the entity poses an imminent danger to public safety or
• where the Board determines, in public interest or in the interest of State security, that it is so required