Woqod sold over 4.8mn LPG metal cylinders in 2013

Woqod’s metal LPG cylinder. Right: Woqod’s ‘Shafaf’ cylinders for sale at a Doha outlet.By Pratap John/Chief Business ReporterIn a reflection of rising demand for metal liquefied petroleum gas cylinders due to population growth, Woqod distributed more than 4.8mn LPG cylinders in 2013, up 200,000 on the previous year.Metal cylinders with butane gas for domestic use are of 12kg capacity. Woqod said it plans to “replace” metal cylinders with transparent ‘Shafaf’ cylinders made of plastic polymers, which are available for both domestic and commercial use.However, a recent Woqod report said it will be “implemented only gradually” without impacting the market. According to Woqod, a large number of customers in Qatar have already moved from metal to Shafaf cylinders. The exclusive fuel distributor termed Shafaf as “safer, light weight”.Shafaf comes in two types – 6kg and 12kg. The distribution of 6kg cylinders accounted for 30,000 in 2013, a 34% growth year-on-year (YoY). On the other hand, the distribution of 12kg Shafaf cylinders exceeded 904,000 last year, up 54% on 2012.Total butane gas sales in Qatar reached 106,746 metric tonnes (mt) in 2013 compared with 92,435mt in 2012. Of this, bulk sales accounted for more than 38,254mt, which represents 36% of the total butane gas sale in the country.Higher butane gas bulk sale, Woqod said was because of the launch of new infrastructure projects and increasing industrial demand, particularly from companies involved in drilling activities.“Rising population has contributed to an increase in the demand for butane gas,’ Woqod said.Qatar’s population grew by 10.4% year-on-year in February to reach 2.12mn. Population growth in recent months has been driven up by the large ramp up in infrastructure spending, in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.Qatar’s forecast 10.5% average population growth for 2014 will be one of the world’s highest rates, QNB recently said in a report.In terms of safety in gas distribution, Woqod said: “Strict safety and security regulations have been enacted by implementing relevant international standards adopted in the delivery of such services.”Recently, Woqod’s outgoing chairman HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah had stressed the need for strict safety procedures in handling LPG cylinders. While LPG cylinders were being extensively used, al-Attiyah said: “These must be handled carefully. People must be educated as to how they should use gas cylinders. At home, I have been using LPG cylinders for the last 40 years…and I never had any issue.”He said a high committee would look into the aspects of creating awareness among customers on LPG cylinder usage.