Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) LPG Council President Gökhan Tezel stated that in order to meet the urgent vital needs of the earthquake region, the sector has shipped hundreds of thousands of gas tanks and thousands of LPG-powered devices, heaters and stoves to the earthquake region. Emphasizing that they have taken the necessary measures to meet Türkiye's LPG needs without interruption, Tezel stated that it is of great importance to ensure that the empty gas tanks used for the continuity of meeting the LPG need throughout the country without disruption are returned to LPG companies.

TOBB LPG Council President Gökhan Tezel, who issued a written statement on the subject, gave the following opinions: “We are deeply saddened by the results of the devastating earthquakes that took place on February 6, the epicenter of which was Kahramanmaraş and affected many of our provinces. In 11 of our cities, where debris removal activities are still continuing, more than 35,000 of our citizens lost their lives and tens of thousands were injured. The survivors of the earthquake, which damaged many buildings, faced the pain of the disaster as well as harsh living and climatic conditions.

In this challenging period when unity and solidarity have gained great importance, as TOBB LPG Council, we have taken immediate action with the awareness that LPG is the fastest and most flexible energy solution with its portable feature. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade, our Governorships and AFAD Provincial Directorates, we have determined the needs in the region and started to work to provide the products and equipment needed by our earthquake victims and search and rescue teams.

As the LPG sector, we have focused on producing the fastest solution to meet the most basic needs of earthquake victims such as heating, cooking and lighting by immediately transferring tank gas-powered devices to meet the urgent energy needs of our earthquake regions. We ensured that LPG equipment was included in the first shipments reaching the region and at the same time, we urgently took the necessary measures as a whole sector by anticipating the increasing need for gas tanks in the region. Our regional dealers, who serve in the earthquake region and can continue their business, have also worked with all their efforts to deliver our gas tanks where they are needed.

In order to meet the urgent vital needs of the region, as a sector, we have shipped hundreds of thousands of gas tanks and thousands of LPG-powered devices, heaters and stoves to the earthquake region so far. In the same way, we carried out studies to ensure that containers and other important necessities for shelter purposes reached the region. We will continue our cooperation in coordination with the authorized institutions and organizations in the coming days without slowing down.

At the same time, we have taken the necessary measures to meet Türkiye's LPG needs without interruption and we continue to make extraordinary efforts for this. On the other hand, we would like to state that, for the continuity of meeting the LPG need both in our earthquake regions and throughout the country, it is of great importance to ensure that the empty gas tanks used are returned to our LPG companies in good working condition. In this regard, we think it is very important that our sector representatives and brands in the regions are in contact with their dealers.

I believe that we will overcome these difficult days with solidarity as soon as possible by bandaging the wounds of the earthquake that drowned the whole world in grief. We will work with all our strength to ensure this. I pray for the grace of Allah to our citizens who lost their lives, urgent healing to the injured and extend my condolences to those who lost their relatives.”