Mr RPN Singh minister of state for petroleum & natural gas informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has advised Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies to call for a global expression of interest to set up facilities for manufacturing of composite cylinders (fiber glass) domestically.

These cylinders are proposed to be introduced in select markets as a separate package and not as replacement of existing steel cylinders.

The composite cylinder being translucent, the level of LPG present would be visible in these cylinders, thereby improving customer’s satisfaction about the quantity of LPG contained in cylinders. Handling of these cylinders would be easier as they will be lighter in weight than steel cylinders.

The fiber glass cylinders are in use in different countries and are found to be as safe as steel cylinders and there is no compromise on safety. The cylinders are proposed to be put into circulation only after due approval of Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization.