Malta Resources Authority has sealed a number of pipe fittings that could be used to illegally refill cylinders at a gas facility that is under investigation.

The measure was taken as a precaution and the authority increased the number of random and surprise inspections at the facility, MRA chief executive Anthony Rizzo told Times of Malta.

No further details could be given as police were investigating.

On Wednesday, main gas supplier Liquigas said it had received evidence of illegal cylinder filling “at a third party site” and asked police to probe the matter.

The Malta Consumers’ Association called on the resources and the consumer affairs authorities to follow up these claims and ensure cylinders on the market were safe.

Mr Rizzo said the MRA immediately informed the police after it was made aware of the allegations.

“Notwithstanding that the allegations are being investigated, the Malta Resources Authority immediately carried out a surprise inspection at the facility where the alleged filling of cylinders took place.

“As a precaution it ‘sealed’ a number of pipe fittings found on site that could be used for the filling of cylinders,” he said.

Meanwhile, Liquigas advised its customers to check the gas cylinder seals to ensure they were authentic.

Genuine seals had an injection point on the top located between the words ‘Liquigas’ and ‘Malta’ and its rim was squared, not rounded, as in the picture.

Chief executive officer Roberto Capelluto said Liquigas was the victim of fraud, saying “some of our own cylinders appear to have been filled by third parties before being placed on the market”. However, he added, safety was a priority so the company was offering to replace any of its unused yellow and green cylinders with fake seals.

Liquigas said it was prepared to pick up these cylinders from homes and businesses and to replace them with regular ones at no additional cost, he said.

The MCCAA said it regularly monitored whether cylinders were filled according to legal requirements before being placed on the market. Any cylinders not complying with legal requirements of certification and weight were withdrawn.

Liquigas’s 24-hour call centre can be reached on 2165 1661/5 while the MCCAA can be reached on 2395 2000.

What are the risks of illegal refilling?

Risks arise if the cylinder strength is insufficient to withstand the pressure of the gas inside and if the cylinder is overfilled to exceed the design pressure, the consumer affairs’ authority said.

Seal damage inside the cylinder valve could lead to leaks when the regulator is connected. Consumers can check that the cylinders and valves they are buying have the necessary markings punched on the body.

The most important marks are the manufacturer’s details, the serial number and the Pi mark (π) followed by a four-digit number.

Consumers should store and install their cylinders outside as this ensures any leakages are lost to the atmosphere. Consumers should also check their regulators.