The two main LP gas distributors have been advised to suspend their distribution until they brought the Ethyl Mercaptan volume up to standard, the State Ministry of Co-Operative Services said today.

The Ministry has taken this decision due to the recent gas explosion incidents reported throughout the country.

They said the decision was taken yesterday.

Therefore, the ministry informed the gas distribution companies to add the standard volume of ethylene propionate, which makes propane gas odorant.

Ethyl Mercaptan is an additive that is combined with liquified petroleum gas, or LPG, to alert users of a leak.

The LP with the correct amount of Ethyl Mercaptan will be released to the market after an inspection certificate is issued by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the Ministry said.