The story of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) began almost by accident. In 1910, American chemist, Dr. Walter O. Snelling, was tasked with investigating “wild” gasoline (American for petrol), which was stored in containers. Due to significant vapour pressure building up, the container’s cork cap was forced out. Snelling realised that some highly volatile gases were at action. He separated and distilled these gaseous components,to identify propane and butane.
The boiling point of both gases — propane at -42°C and butane at -1°C —allows them to be easily liquefied under modest pressure if cooled. Snelling figured out how to store them in a volume-reduced liquefied state. in pressurised bottles, at around 6 to 7 times atmospheric pressure. Thus was born Liquified Petroleum Gas better known as LPG.
Snelling sold his patent in 1912, a landmark deal in energy history. By 1913, the commercial production of LPG had begun and, within a decade, American homes were cooking with it. After World War II, LPG spread rapidly across Europe and Asia, arriving in India in 1955. Burmah Shell (later Bharat Petroleum) introduced it first in Mumbai.
Today, we open the valve and the liquid converts to gas and flows out. However, early LPG wasn’t glamorous, and safety was a major concern. Since it was heavier than air, it stayed close to the floor in case of a leak leading to a risk of fire and even explosion. Another serious risk was explosions due to the cylinder being subjected to extreme heat or structural failure.
The cylinder that we take for granted today was the gamechanger. Early designs focused primarily on strength and pressure resistance. Modern cylinders, however, incorporate advanced safety features such as pressure relief valves that automatically releases gas if pressure climbs dangerously high, improved sealing mechanisms, and ergonomic designs for easier handling. Materials Science also contributed with stronger alloys and corrosion-resistant coatings to enhance durability.
In recent years, innovation has moved toward ‘smart cylinders’ which have sensors that monitor gas levels, detect leaks, and even send alerts to users or suppliers and even automatically book refills. However, the current crisis is a reminder of India’s dependence on global energy supply chains. The disruptions have revived fuels such as coal and firewood. In a sense, the journey of the LPG cylinder has come full circle.
Did you know?
LPG is odourless. So, the sharp smell of the gas leak comes from Ethyl Mercaptan, a chemical added deliberately so that there is a warning signal. A
The cylinder in your kitchen is pressure-tested every five years by Law. The due date is stamped on the inner collar. Next time you spot a cylinder, check for the date; 06-30 would mean the next check is due in June 2030.
Published - July 17, 2026 09:45 am IST