Gas cylinder explosions can be extremely dangerous, often causing fires and significant damage. Such incidents have been frequently reported due to gas leaks or explosions.
Just this morning, a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen of Sandar Momo restaurant in Kamalpokhari, injuring 14 people. While three sustained minor injuries, 11 had to be hospitalised.
Although gas cylinders provide convenience, improper use can turn them hazardous. Due to the risks associated with them, some people even refer to gas cylinders as “kitchen bombs.”
While consumers remain unaware of the dangers of expired gas cylinders, the government has also struggled to prevent the circulation of faulty cylinders in the market. Therefore, consumers must take precautions to avoid potentially fatal explosions.
How to check a cylinder’s expiry date?
Each gas cylinder has a marking near its neck, indicating its expiry date.
These markings consist of a letter (A, B, C, or D) followed by a two-digit number. The letter represents the quarter of the year:
- A (January–March)
- B (April–June)
- C (July–September)
- D (October–December)
The number next to the letter represents the year. For example, “A-23” means the cylinder expires in March 2023.
Even if a cylinder is within its expiry date, it should not be used if it is dented or cracked.
Expiry regulations
International standards state that gas cylinders can be used for 20 years from their manufacturing date. Manufacturers are allowed to mark an initial 10-year validity, after which a hydraulic test must be conducted every five years to extend its usage.
However, Nepal’s market still contains millions of expired cylinders, many over 20 years old, with some never undergoing required safety tests.
In 2015, during India’s blockade, then-Supply Minister Ganeshman Pun personally inspected industries in Dhading and found expired cylinders being refilled and sent to the market. Poor consumer awareness and lack of government monitoring have allowed expired cylinders to continue circulating.
