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Councillors have renewed calls for authorities to consider translucent fibreglass gas cylinders as a possible alternative to traditional metal models, citing a range of potential consumer benefits.
They say the lightweight models would allow users to monitor gas levels at a glance while offering a more corrosion-resistant alternative to conventional cylinders.
The Industry and Commerce Ministry has already launched a technical study into the feasibility of replacing traditional metal cylinders with fibreglass alternatives, following a proposal submitted earlier by the Muharraq and Southern Municipal Councils.
Mr Al Naar
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the ability to see the remaining gas level was one of the most attractive features of the modern cylinders.
“The translucent design gives consumers something a traditional metal cylinder simply cannot offer – an immediate visual indication of how much gas remains,” Mr Al Naar said.
“People would no longer have to lift or shake a heavy cylinder to estimate whether it is nearly empty. It is a simple feature, but one that could make everyday gas use far easier and more convenient,” he added.
It could also spare households the familiar inconvenience of running out of gas unexpectedly during meal preparation, allowing users to arrange a replacement before supplies are exhausted.
Mr Al Naar stressed the importance of studying all alternatives and said that any future transition must ensure the cylinders are safe, reliable and accessible.
“The benefits are clear from a consumer perspective,” he said. “However, safety standards, product quality and affordability must also be fully addressed before any replacement programme is considered.”
Mr Abdullatif
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said the transparent design could add a new level of convenience and awareness for households. “It would encourage consumers to monitor their gas supply more proactively,” he added.
He said fibreglass models would also be particularly useful for elderly residents who may find conventional cylinders difficult to handle.
Unlike steel cylinders, composite models are made using materials such as fibreglass reinforcement and polymer components. They are resistant to rust and coastal corrosion and are significantly lighter than their metal counterparts, making them easier to transport and handle.
Mr Abdullatif said the government study could provide the evidence needed to determine whether Bahrain should gradually phase out conventional cylinders.
“If the technical assessment confirms their safety and suitability, this could represent an important step towards modernising the sector,” he said. “For the consumer, being able to see how much gas remains without lifting the cylinder is a simple example of how technology can make an everyday task safer, easier and more convenient.”
Potential safety benefits are another factor driving interest in the new models. Depending on the type and certification, composite cylinders are engineered to behave differently from conventional steel cylinders when exposed to extreme heat, with safety features designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic rupture.
However, the ministry’s technical study will determine whether the technology is suitable for Bahrain and identify any regulatory requirements that would need to be introduced before a transition could take place.
Under-Secretary Eman Al Dossary said the ministry’s Inspection and Metrology Department had already conducted a preliminary review of legislation and technical specifications governing gas cylinders across the GCC.
The study is being carried out in co-operation with regional and local technical committees responsible for mechanical, oil and gas specifications, while Civil Defence has also participated in safety testing of fibreglass cylinders.
Once completed, the study’s findings will be presented to the municipal councils.
The UAE has recently introduced fibreglass cylinders, but Bahrain could be the first to have transparent ones.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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