The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) has issued a draft notification proposing key amendments to the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, aimed at broadening the scope and technical definitions governing the usage, storage, and transport of compressed gases in India.
The notification invites public objections and suggestions within 30 days from the date of its publication.
Key Highlights of the Draft Amendment
- Expanded Definition of Gas Cylinders
The revised definition includes any closed metal container with a volume exceeding 500 ml but not more than 1,000 liters used for storing and transporting compressed gas.
It explicitly covers:
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) containers
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) containers
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders
- Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG) cylinders used as vehicle fuel tanks
- Exclusions & Inclusions
The rule excludes containers used in special transport or undercarriage applications. It includes composite cylinders and cryogenic containers.
- Higher Volume Allowances for Industrial Gases
CHG, CNG, Nitrogen, and Compressed Air cylinders may have a water capacity up to 3,000 liters if Nitrogen and compressed air cylinders have diameters not exceeding 60 cm CHG and CNG cylinders have diameters not exceeding 80 cm
- Material Restrictions for Safety
Composite cylinders for CHG must not be wrapped with glass fibre, indicating a push for enhanced material safety standards.
Public Participation Invited
Stakeholders and citizens have been invited to submit their objections or suggestions regarding the draft rules to the Director (Explosives) at Room No. 252-A, Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi–110001, or via email at expl-dipp@nic.in within the specified 30-day period.
The Central Government will take into consideration all feedback before finalizing the rules for official publication and enforcement.
Background
The original Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016 have undergone multiple amendments — notably in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025 (April, June, and July) — in response to evolving industry practices, technological advancements, and safety requirements. The Fourth Amendment of 2025 continues this trajectory toward modernization and standardization in handling compressed gases.
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