Non-Explosive and Color-Coded Cylinders to Address Nepal’s LPG Demands

In a smart step addressing the concerns surrounding cooking gas cylinders in Nepal, Nepal Gas Industries (NGI) introduces the ‘non-explosive composite cooking gas cylinders’.

NGI says that the cylinders are of ISI standard, which indicates that these products are tested and certified by both the Bureau of Standards of India and Nepal standards.

About NGI’s Non-explosive Cylinders:
A press release issued by the company reveals that the new cylinders are a combination of fiber & plastic that do not explode even in the event of a fire, ultraviolet protected, can withstand extreme weather and eco-friendly.

Additionally, these cylinders have a translucent body which informs the user of the LPG levels and are equipped with some more safety features, making them suitable for both domestic and commercial uses.

“The cylinders are easy to carry and are facilitated with many other features, such as gas leak detection, shut-off valve and safety protection,” says Gokul Bhandari, Executive Director, Nepal Gas Industries

Speaking further, he says, “In addition, we will conduct hydraulic testing every five years to ensure safety for the users.”

While emphasizing on the uniqueness of these products, he said that the cylinders are internationally acclaimed for their safety and convenient features.

The cylinders are currently available at the following size and prices:

• 14.2 kg cylinder @ NPR 2,925
• 5 kg cylinder @ NPR 6,995

Bhandari says that they imported 10,000 units in the first lot and will manufacture the containers based on the demand in the future.

NGI has tied up with Mero Kirana as online partner for the sale of the gas containers within Kathmandu valley.

NOC to Launch Color-Coded Cylinders:
In another interesting update concerning liquified petroleum gas LPG, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is re-considering usage of painted cylinders for household and commercial customers.

The decision comes as a result of increasing losses over LPG sale. The state-owned oil monopoly estimates losses as follows:

• According to NOC, it supplier makes a loss of Rs 280.64 on every gas cylinder sold.
• It estimates a loss of Rs 250 million for the month of September
• The corporation loses Rs 2.36 on every liter of diesel sold
• NOC Managing Director Sushil Bhattarai predicts loss of more than 1 billion on diesel sale, in the next month
• He estimates an increased loss of Rs 600-700 on each cylinder during winter

To address the growing losses, Bhattarai says that NOC has proposed usage of color-coded cylinders to Nepal Commerce and Customer Welfare Committee on August 20, 2018.

“As the working guideline on dual cylinders is still in place, we have planned to revise the guideline in the new context to enforce the system effectively,” said Bhattarai.

 Currently, Nepal’s requirement of cooking gas amounts to Rs 35,000 per month.

Conclusion:
We hope that both these measures will address some of the main problems of Nepal’s growing gas demand and bring about the required discipline in Nepal’s LPG sector.