THE government has approved two National Standards governing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and low-pressure regulators to become compulsory, as authorities move to tighten safety requirements following concerns over cylinder explosions and gas leaks at consumers’ premises.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, in a statement on Saturday, said the move represents a significant step towards strengthening public safety and improving the quality of LPG equipment entering and being sold on the local market.
“The introduction of these standards as compulsory will require suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that all LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators comply with the prescribed requirements, thereby enhancing safety, improving product quality and reducing the risk of accidents,” the ministry stated.
The standards are GYS 264 – Specification for LPG Cylinder and its Storage, Handling and Transportation, and GYS 523 – Specification for Low-pressure Regulators for Use with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
According to the ministry, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) reviewed and revised both standards in 2025 following consumers’ concerns regarding LPG cylinder explosions and leaks.
The exercise was intended to provide greater clarity, improve ease of use and strengthen monitoring of the importation and sale of LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators.
The revision was undertaken by a Technical Committee comprising representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Massy Gas, GUYGAS Inc. and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC).
Other stakeholders within the petroleum industry and members of the public also provided inputs during a 60-day public consultation period.
Under the updated GYS 264 standard, LPG cylinders must meet recognised safety specifications or international standards and must be appropriately stamped to demonstrate compliance.
Cylinders must also be permanently marked with critical information, including their tare weight, water capacity, serial number, manufacturer or trade name, date of manufacture or last test date, tester’s symbol and cylinder specification or working pressure.
The standard further requires cylinders to be equipped with safety-relief devices designed to relieve vapour pressure. Cylinders must also have appropriate protective components, including a secure shroud or neck ring and a foot ring that allows the cylinder to remain stable and upright.
Importantly, cylinders must be free from defects that could compromise safety, including sharp dents or cuts, bulging, corrosion, evidence of exposure to fire or excessive heat, damaged foot rings and defective or broken pins.
The standard also establishes requirements covering repairs, requalification, testing, storage, fire extinguishers, display, handling and transportation.
Meanwhile, GYS 523 establishes requirements for the materials, construction, performance and testing of low-pressure single-stage and two-stage LPG regulators.
The standard stipulates that regulator components must be manufactured from, or treated with, materials compatible with LPG and capable of withstanding the chemical and thermal conditions encountered during normal use.
It also sets requirements governing workmanship, connections, regulator construction, valve-pad materials, temperature and endurance testing, maintenance, user instructions and the mechanical strength of connections.
The ministry said compulsory implementation of the standards will also give consumers greater assurance about the LPG equipment they purchase.
“It will also provide consumers with greater confidence that LPG cylinders and regulators available on the market meet established safety and performance requirements,” the ministry stated.
Implementation will involve several regulatory agencies. The GEA will monitor compliance with GYS 264, while the GNBS will oversee GYS 523.
As part of the legal process to make the standards compulsory, the ministry is inviting consumers, importers, distributors and other interested stakeholders to submit representations or comments to the Executive Director of the GNBS on or before September 30, 2026.
Copies of the proposed compulsory standards are available for inspection at the GNBS Head Office at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown.