Two Brothers Run Motorcycle on Cooking Gas in Lohagara; Safety Experts Warn of Risks

In response to local fuel shortages, two brothers in Narail have modified a motorcycle to run on Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) from a standard cooking cylinder. While the "innovation" has drawn crowds in Lohagara Upazila, safety experts warn that such unregulated modifications pose a severe risk to life and property.

Sohel Sheikh and Jibon Sheikh, electricians from Radhanagar village, claim they modified the vehicle’s carburetor to accept gas via a pipe connected to an LPG cylinder mounted on the rear seat. The brothers cited the high cost and inconsistent supply of petrol as their motivation, claiming the setup cuts fuel costs by half.

However, the sight of a cooking gas cylinder strapped to a moving motorcycle has sparked alarm among safety-conscious citizens. Unlike factory-grade CNG or LPG conversions for cars, these DIY systems lack high-pressure valves, specialized tanks, and leak-detection mechanisms.

"I didn't know motorcycles could run on cooking cylinders," said Jaber Ali, a local resident. "It could be a solution to fuel costs, but only if experts can prove it won't explode."

Authorities and fire safety experts generally advise against such conversions, noting that cooking gas cylinders are designed for stationary use and are not built to withstand the vibrations, heat, and impact risks associated with road travel.