(a) the number of LPG cylinders of various companies including ‘Indane’ under circulation
in the market as on date, State-wise ;
(b) the number of LPG cylinders still in circulation in the market even after the expiry
of their normal life, company-wise ;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any scheme to phase out such LPG cylinders
of the oil companies which have outlived their normal life ;
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a): At present, 3 Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), namely Indian Oil Corporation
Limited (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
Limited (HPCL) have nearly 18.96 crore cylinders in circulation in the country. The State-wise
details are available with the Directors (Marketing) of OMCs concerned.
(b) to (d): There is no fixed life for LPG cylinders. As per the Gas Cylinders Rules,the
cylinders are periodically tested and on being found fit are taken back into circulation.
New LPG cylinders are being inducted by OMCs regularly. On detection, sub-standard /
spurious cylinders are confiscated and thereafter de-shaped / crushed to prevent their
re-circulation.
OMCs are procuring LPG cylinders from cylinder manufacturers who are approved by the Oil
Industry Technical Committee (OITC) and have valid manufacturing licences from the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Chief Controller of Explosives (CCOE). Strict control
is exercised by BIS over the manufacturing process. LPG cylinders procured by OMCs meet
the required quality standards.