How is gas disappearing from LPG cylinders without the seal being broken? Find out here.

Every LPG consumer should pay close attention when accepting a cylinder delivery. Often, a cylinder may not contain the full amount of gas despite the seal appearing intact. There are several reasons for this.

If you use LPG cylinders, this information is for you. Overlooking certain precautions when receiving your monthly cylinder could lead to a loss. Typically, when a cylinder is delivered to your home, you check the seal; if it looks intact, you assume the cylinder hasn't been tampered with. However, this isn't necessarily the case, as gas can be extracted from the cylinder even when the seal remains intact. Therefore, keep these important points in mind whenever you receive a cylinder.

Can gas levels drop even with the seal intact?

Few people realize that gas can be extracted from a cylinder without breaking the seal. This is done by inserting a thin pin or needle into the valve through the top of the seal. The pin depresses the valve's pressure regulator, allowing gas to escape and be transferred into another empty cylinder. Alternatively, the seal is carefully removed, gas is siphoned off, and the seal is reattached, making it appear to the customer that the cylinder is still properly sealed.

Other reasons for reduced gas levels

Gas levels can also drop due to leaks or a faulty cylinder valve. In such cases, gas may slowly escape unnoticed, causing the cylinder's contents to deplete while it sits idle. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to exercise caution when accepting delivery.

What to do at the time of delivery

When accepting a cylinder delivery, you can check a few specific things to determine if gas has been siphoned off. The best approach is to check the cylinder's weight at the time of delivery. A standard domestic cylinder contains 14.2 kg of gas. Since the cylinder's empty weight is also marked on it, you can calculate the total weight by adding the two figures. If the weight is low or the seal is not intact, refuse to accept the cylinder and immediately lodge a complaint with your gas agency.