Panaji: Goa is set to witness the launch of composite LPG cylinders on a pilot basis, with oil marketing companies (OMCs) taking the lead in introducing the lighter and more durable alternative to conventional metal cylinders.Director of Civil Supplies Jayant Tari said the initiative would initially be limited in scale because only about 10,000 composite cylinders have been supplied to Goa so far.“The state has approximately 6.8 lakh domestic LPG connections, apart from nearly 10 lakh commercial consumers. With such a large consumer base, replacing existing cylinders with composite ones will be a gradual process,” he said.The exact locations where the pilot will begin have not yet been finalised, as the rollout was being organised by the OMCs. It therefore remains unclear whether the pilot will be concentrated in Panaji or extended to other parts of the state during the initial phase.Made using advanced composite technology, the 10-kg cylinder has a three-layer construction and is nearly 50% lighter than a conventional steel LPG cylinder. Their translucent body lets consumers check gas levels without a gauge, making it easier to plan refills.“The cylinders have several potential advantages, including being lighter, durable and visually more appealing. The reduced weight could also make them easier for consumers and distributors to handle and transport,” he said.The composite LPG cylinder had been introduced in many states of the country earlier, but Goa was not a beneficiary.“The present cylinders looked shabby & unsafe, and many consumers complained to us that they were not clean and had many dents. Now, the weight of the cylinder, which used to be 30kg (Gross), i.e. net weight 14.2kgs + tare weight 15.8kgs will now be approximately 20kgs (Gross),” said convenor, Goa consumer action forum, Roland Martins.
