In Peru, more than 50% of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders that are sold come from the illegal market, which impacts 7 out of every 10 homes in Peru, according to Osinergmin.
Faced with this situation, Karen Zapana, head of Safety and Environment at Limagas, provides five practical recommendations for families to protect their homes and recognize an original gas bottle versus an adulterated one:
- Buy only from your own order center and authorized distributors. Original gas cylinders should only be purchased through authorized distributors and from the order center. Make sure the establishment where you buy gas is registered and licensed to operate.
- Check the security seal. The original gas cylinders must have a visible and legible security seal, such as the green Limagas seal, which has its security seal and complies with national regulations.
- Company colors. Each gas bottling company has specific colors for their bottles, Limagas being blue and with a logo that contains a heart.
- Check the physical condition of the cylinder. It is essential to verify that the cylinder is in good physical condition, without dents, cracks or signs of corrosion. Any visible damage could be a sign that the ball has been tampered with or is not suitable for use.
- Make sure you use a regulated regulator and remember that it must be changed every 5 years to avoid gas leaks. A stopcock should not be used, as it puts the security of the home at risk.
