The supply of portable LPG for heating and cooking in Turkey could be vital in the months to come as the global industry reaches out to those in need
The devastating earthquakes in Turkey on 6 February have highlighted the importance of portable LPG in a crisis, as the local and global industry rallies to support those left homeless for potentially several months to come.
The 7.8 and 7.7-magnitude earthquakes that affected a vast area of southern Turkey and northern Syria had taken the lives of nearly 50,000 people, more than 42,000 of those in Turkey, as of 21 February — tragically, a number that is likely to rise in the coming weeks. And the area continues to be hit by multiple aftershocks, including one of 6.3 magnitude on 20 February, 76km from Dortyol port, Turkey's main LPG import hub, claiming another eight lives as of 21 February.
"Our first focus has been to make sure that our employees are safe, and that their immediate families are safe," Turkish LPG distributor Ipragaz's chief operating officer Tolgay Nur says. The company's next focus was, "and is", to check for leaks along its supply network, with nothing significant found since day one, he says. "Several crews are monitoring every inch of pipeline that we have continuously because of the aftershocks."
The epicentre of the largest earthquake was about 82km northeast of Dortyol. Deliveries to the port slowed in the aftermath as importers — including the country's largest distributor, Aygaz, and SHV-owned Ipragaz — took extra precautionary measures. But shipments to the facility continue. As do deliveries from Dortyol inland, despite the manifold difficulties — including the need to ensure local outlets are still there and employees are safe, before travelling the last mile to consumers navigating damaged roads, Nur says.
The industry is now in "full emergency support mode" for the whole affected area, according to Nur. The Turkish LPG Association (TLPGA), alongside the World LPG Association, launched an appeal on 8 February for support from the global industry to help local companies get heating, cooking and power provisions to those left with no home. "We are doing our best to sustain our operations… But we lack cylinders for heating and cooking to support victims," TLPGA chairman Eyup Aratay said.
Since its launch, the global industry has reached out with offers to supply cookers, LPG generators, heaters and "a couple of emergency rescue and recovery services", Nur says. As part of the wider SHV family, Ipragaz is also receiving support from its sister companies — including equipment from Ireland imminently. This is undoubtedly positive, but it is vital that the industry realises this is a long-term problem that will require continuing support, he says. This is demonstrated by the number of people currently living in their cars that will soon be relocated to emergency facilities, where they will need portable LPG energy. "The region affected is the colder part of Turkey — at night, temperatures are generally below zero," he says. "So there is a real need for heating."
'Temporary' shelter
About 13.5mn people were affected by the earthquakes, and around half of these may now be homeless, Nur says. Many will end up in temporary tents, which currently number about 300,000, for several months, he says. For the local industry, the considerable challenge will be to deliver the LPG and equipment to these people in a safe and efficient manner. Aygaz, Ipragaz and the other LPG companies in Turkey are working in unison on this effort, and are working alongside the Turkish emergency response agency AFDA to provide energy to those in need.
"We are very glad to receive the wishes and support from the industry, thank you — it is encouraging to see you're there for us in times of need," Nur says. "But this will be a mid to long-term challenge that we face as a country. Recovery will be long and we would love to know that you are here with us for the long term."
Turkish LPG sector appeal
The Turkish LPG sector near the earthquake "witnessed material damage to our facilities, dealerships and autogas stations, as well as the homes of our employees and their families", TLPGA chairman Eyup Aratay said on 8 February. The association has called on the industry to help, including supplying much-needed equipment such as heaters to those left homeless. "LPG is critical to post-disaster relief, so I am asking you to respond to a call for help from the [TLPGA]," World LPG Association chief executive James Rockall said.
To support, please email Eyup Aratay at eyup.aratay@ipragaz.com.tr
