Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 13/ Trend , E. Ismayilov/
Azerigaz will design and submit an action plan to the Industrial and Energy Ministry and Emergency Situations Ministry to investigate gas-use violations and the upswing in blasts caused by gas leaks, an Energy Ministry source told Trend .
"Azerigaz will submit a report to us [Industrial and Energy Ministry] and the Emergency Situations Ministry as soon as it is ready," the source said. "We will examine the proposals and amend them if necessary."
This winter, many Azerbaijanis have resorted to using homemade gas stoves that do not meet technical norms due to the cold weather. An increase in the number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases has resulted, as well as blasts caused by gas leaks in residential buildings. Five people died and 5 sustained injuries due to a blast in an apartment building in Baku on Dec. 13. Gas leaks caused four explosions on Jan. 8 alone in Baku. Although there were no casualties, 8 people were injured.
A state commission will be launched to investigate gas consumption violations and the increase gas-related deaths, the source said.
The date of the commission's launch is still unknown. Government approval is required before the commission can be established. In the meantime, Azerigaz will exercise control over gas supplies and educate customers about safe gas use.
Azerigaz declared Jan. 15 to Feb. 15 the "Month of Gas Security and Efficient Natural Gas Use."
Major reasons for gas-related deaths and carbon monoxide poisoning in Azerbaijan are homemade gas furnaces, faulty gas lines and clogged chimneys.
Gas heaters imported from Iran will also be checked this year as a precautionary measure.
The State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents, State Customs Committee, Prosecutor General's Office and Interior Ministry will also work eliminate gas-related accidents.
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