Transparent cylinders on the anvil

Eliza Manandhar

KATHMANDU: Transparent LPG cylinders are on the anvil, or so the Salt Trading Corporation (STC) is suggesting.

A high-level official at Salt Trading Corporation (STC) said that some private businessmen are in talks with a Russian company, which has proposed to make available transparent LPG cylinders in the Nepali market.

Meanwhile, STC is all set to introduce its brand of LPG cylinders in the market after Dashain. The company has already established its production unit at Dhading’s Junge Khola. According to STC, technicians have begun mandatory tests before the production starts formally. The production capacity of the plant is 2,880 cylinders a day. STC said it would target the Bagmati zone as its primary market.

“All STC cylinders will be new and can be used for at least 10 years,” said the official. STC will be using cylinders manufactured by Panchakanya, the official said.

Aerotech and Panchakanya are the only two manufacturers of gas cylinders in the country. Established in 1963, STC’s mandate is to ensure proper supply and distribution of essential consumer items in the country. Currently, it is distributing commodities such as sugar, food grains and processed eatables in addition to salt.

National Trading Ltd is planning to introduce quality regulator and pipes for gas stoves at a standard price. There have been eight casualties in the last six months in gas stove related accidents. Six cases were linked to gas leakage from the pipe or the regulator. Two cases were associated with the negligence of people.