How to check the expiary date of L.P.G. Cylinders

How to check the expiry date of L.P.G. Cylinders

     Did you know that there is an expiry date (physical life) for LPG cylinders? Expired Cylinders are not safe for use and can cause lethal accidents.

Here is how you can check the expiry date of LPG cylinders:


On one of three side stems of the cylinder, the expiry date is coded alpha numerically which starts with A, B, C or D followed by a two digit number. e.g. B 13.

The alphabets stand for quarters -

• A for January to March (First Qtr),
• B for April to June (Second Qtr),
• C for July to September (Third Qtr),
• D for  October to Decembe (Fourth Qtr).

     The digits stand for the year till it is valid. Hence B-13 would mean June quarter of 2013.

     LPG Cylinders are banned in many countries as it is moving bomb. LPG Cylinder explosion is very common due to various reasons.

     Though there is always grace period of 3 – 6 months from date of expiry as it takes time to pull cylinder out of circulation. It is important to check the expiry of LPG Cylinder before receiving delivery else you will be compromising on your safety. If you receive cylinder post expiry then you can complain to Regional Manager of your Oil Marketing Company.

Hope next time before accepting delivery of LPG Cylinder, you will check the expiry date.