‘Lighter, rust-free and safer’: Govt to replace steel LPG cylinders with fibre cylinders

New Delhi: With an aim to promote safety through innovation, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has decided to replace steel LPG cylinders with new-age fibre-based cylinders.

The gas composite cylinders are said to be lighter, rust-free, translucent and safer.

In a written reply by the minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gases, Suresh Gopi in Rajya Sabha, said that there are 32.68 crore active domestic LPG consumers served by public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

What is the composition of the new LPG cylinders?

Composite cylinders are a recent offering of PSU OMCs and are still in limited circulation.

These cylinders have a three-layered construction. The cylinder is made up of a blow-moulded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) inner liner, covered with a composite layer of polymer-wrapped fibreglass and fitted with an HDPE outer jacket. These cylinders are costlier than regular steel cylinders but are lighter in weight, rust-free, translucent and safer.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) procure composite cylinders through competitive bidding from any manufacturer that meets the tender requirements. Currently, there is no proposal to set up any manufacturing facility by OMCs anywhere in the country.

To ensure a steady supply of refills and accommodate new LPG connections, OMCs currently have over 50 crore cylinders in circulation which are predominantly steel cylinders. To meet replacement and fresh future demand, OMCs regularly review their inventories and issue tenders for the procurement of new cylinders.

OMCs promote composite cylinders through various methods viz. generating awareness among consumers, display of banners and standees, distribution of pamphlets during home delivery and other marketing initiatives.