The Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry, Government of India, has approved in principle to import fiberglass LPG cylinders and has allowed government-owned oil companies to expand their product line through introduction of these composite cylinders. Government has also introduced dual pricing of domestic LPG by allowing oil-marketing companies to sell the fuel at market prices in these composite cylinders. The cooking gas sold in these stylish transparent cylinders will not be subsidized. The companies will have the freedom to revise the prices of the fuel, depending on global prices. It is unlikely that anyone will buy LPG at Rs. 650 per cylinder when the subsidized fuel costs less than half and consumers will have to deposit approximately Rs.3,000 as security for the cylinder, which is nearly double the security money at present.

The company officials claim that the fiberglass cylinders are rust-proof and as strong as metal cylinders. The gas-tight liner is made from PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) and is fully wrapped by epoxy resin impregnated fiberglass to ensure its strength. An upper boss enabling typical valve assembly is reliably attached to a liner. The outer casing is made from HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) which provides extra protection and easy handling during transportation. The cylinder would be available in different colors according to customer's demand.An empty cylinder would weigh about 5.3kg and a filled one 16 kg while a filled metal cylinder weighs 27.4kg. Several high-flame tests have reportedly been conducted on these cylinders and the companies claim that they are fully safe for both domestic and outdoor use. It is even claimed that this cylinder does not explode when exposed to fire and extreme heat. The new cylinders would be introduced as separate packages and not as replacement of existing steel cylinders and would be initially introduced in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune, on a pilot basis.

However, irrespective of whether it is the stylish or the traditional steel cylinder, the following precautions need to be followed, while handling LPG.There should be no foul smell of leaking gas in the kitchen or near the gas stove before lighting a match stick. If there is smell of gas leak in the kitchen, the door and windows should be opened immediately to allow the gas to escape.The gas cylinder, rubber tubing and gas stove should be regularly checked for any gas leakage. Lighter, match-stick, candle or electric switches should not be lit during leakage of LPG. Leaking gas cylinder should not be used and the gas agency should be notified for its immediate replacement. The gas cylinder should be handled with care so as not to damage its valve. First open the valve of the cylinder and then turn on the knob of gas stove, while lighting the stove. Close the valve of the cylinder first and then turn off the knob of the gas stove, when putting-off the gas stove.When the gas is not in use, the valve of the gas cylinder and the knobs of the gas stove must always be kept closed. Always keep a fire extinguisher handy near the LPG cylinder and learn to use it.