Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has taken the lead among state-run oil marketing companies by initiating the process of launching transparent fibreglass cylinders as a premium product in the country. After the petroleum and natural gas minister mooted the idea of banking on fibreglass cylinder to ensure transparency in LPG supplies, the company sent a detailed proposal to him.

BPCL’s initial market survey about the product indicates willingness among customers to buy a transparent fibreglass cylinder. The corporation has proposed making these cylinders available ‘on demand’, with delivery within two hours. A provision for penalties for late deliveries would also be put in place. Build-in Radio Frequency ID tags on the cylinders’ valve protection rings would ensure that they cannot be damaged. This device would track the cylinder’s movements.

According to BPCL estimates, the landing price of the cylinder would be around Rs 4,000, which is further negotiable. The company has planned to introduce the product for premium customers at higher deposit and refill rates without subsidies. Hence, the company does not require the ministry’s nod for launching this product, as would have been the case for premium petroleum products.

BPCL has said that a Norway-based company — RASGASCO — is the global market major for such cylinders. These cylinders are manufactured against international standards like ISO 111119-3, EN 12245:2002 and EN 14427:2004. The Petroleum & Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) has also approved of the cylinder.

BPCL claims the cylinders have higher carrying capacity than cylinders made out of metal. One such cylinder, with 6 kg tare ware, can carry 12 kg of LPG. The total weight of a full LPG cylinder would be 10 kg lighter than a metallic cylinder and, hence, reduce transport weight. The cylinder would have a visible gas level and reduced threats of over-filling. Moreover, it would also reduce the burden of delivery men, besides having low maintenance costs. The corporation believes its product would greatly benefit those customers who have open kitchen in small flats.