After 8 deaths, government halts permits for propane gas stations

Santo Domingo.- The Industry and Commerce Ministry on Wednesdaysaid the permits for new stations won’t be issued until several governmentagencies amend the regulations on fuel supply facilities, which will have stricter safety guidelines for thosebusinesses.

The agencies will amend the regulations on the books since1972, which grants permits to operate gas stations or other fuels. Varioussectors say population growth and a jump in propane gas consumption makes the currentrules obsolete.

The announcement comes after several explosions at three propanegas stations in La Vega, the National District and Santo Domingo Este killedeight people and injured nine others.

Civil Defense director Rafael De Luna said the tragic explosionsspurred the designation of the presidential commission, which he affirms hasbeen meeting regularly.