Risk of Gas Theft from 5kg LPG Cylinders: Gas Can Be Siphoned Off Without Breaking the Seal

Do you use a small 5kg LPG cylinder? If so, are you aware that gas can be stolen from it as well? Learn how gas is siphoned off from these 5kg cylinders.

Small 5kg cylinders are often used by individuals living alone or in households with fewer members. Many people assume that gas theft only occurs with standard 14.2kg domestic cylinders, but that is not the case. If you use a 5kg cylinder, it is important to know whether gas can be stolen from it—and if so, how you can detect it.

It is possible to siphon gas from a 5kg LPG cylinder. In some instances, gas is removed without even breaking the cylinder's seal; the cap is simply removed and then put back on, leaving the customer completely unaware.

How is the gas removed?

To steal gas from a cylinder, the valve cap is opened using a sharp object. Gas is then siphoned out through the refilling pin. Afterward, the cap is carefully replaced, making the cylinder appear exactly as it did before—so no one suspects anything. The key point is that the gas is removed without the seal ever being broken.

Things to keep in mind when purchasing a 5kg cylinder:

When buying a 5kg cylinder, calculate the total expected weight by adding the 'tare weight' (the weight of the empty cylinder) to the specified weight of the gas. You can also verify the weight yourself using a weighing scale.
Additionally, check the plastic seal on the cylinder. If the seal appears tampered with or cut, refuse to accept the cylinder.
If you find that the quantity of gas is less than expected, file a complaint immediately. You can lodge a complaint regarding this with the relevant gas agency.

How can one obtain a 5 kg cylinder?

If you wish to purchase a small 5 kg LPG cylinder, you can do so directly from your nearest gas distributor. At the time of purchase, you will need to present a Voter ID, Aadhaar card, PAN card, or a driving license. If you are purchasing a cylinder for the first time, you will be required to pay a security deposit, as well as the costs for the regulator, pipe, and the gas itself; for subsequent refills, you will only need to pay for the gas. Please keep the aforementioned points in mind when obtaining the cylinder.