The Central Government has issued the draft Gas Cylinders (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2025 under the Explosives Act, 1884. The purpose of this amendment is to revise the definition and technical characteristics of gas cylinders as defined under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016.
Under the proposed changes, a “gas cylinder” will now include enclosed metal containers with a volume of more than 500 mL but not more than 1,000 litres, the purpose of which is to contain and transport compressed gas. This definition extends to LPG, LNG, CNG, or CHG cylinders used in motor vehicles.
Significantly, this modification allows cylinders used for CHG, CNG, nitrogen and compressed air to keep a water capacity of up to 3,000 litres, provided certain diameter limits are met, 60 cm for nitrogen and compressed air, and 80 cm for CHG and CNG.
Moreover, compound cylinders for CHG must not be wrapped with glass fibre.
The draft is open for public comment for 30 days from its Gazette publication date, after which finalization will follow.