Sulaymaniyah bans Chinese-made plastic gas cylinders over explosion risk

SULAYMANIYAH — Authorities in Sulaymaniyah have issued a ban on the sale and use of Chinese-made plastic gas cylinders due to safety concerns, warning of the potential risk of explosion after the cylinders reportedly failed safety tests.

In a statement from the Sulaymaniyah Centre District, officials explained that the ban followed complaints regarding a particular type of household gas cylinder made from plastic. Samples were sent to the Directorate of Industry’s laboratories for testing.

Goran Qadir, head of the joint committee in the Sulaymaniyah Centre District, said, “After inspections, it was found that these cylinders are unsuitable for use as they cannot withstand pressure levels up to 90 bars.”

Based on the findings of the inspection and the official report from the Directorate of Industry, the sale of these cylinders has been prohibited across all markets. “Any location found selling them will have their stock confiscated, and legal measures will be taken against the owners,” Qadir added.

Qadir further explained that the plastic gas cylinders, imported from China, pose a significant safety hazard. “Due to the risk of explosion, they are highly dangerous. Citizens are strongly urged not to use these gas cylinders under any circumstances,” he warned.

Most households in the Kurdistan Region rely on 11kg gas cylinders for cooking and heating water. These cylinders are filled at specialized facilities that source liquid gas from local fields. Retailers are mandated to sell the cylinders at prices regulated by the government.