So, you might find that connected to your oven in the apartment you just rented in Malta there is a bright green, black or yellow gas tank. How does it work? Where do you get replacements? Is it safe?
How does it work
Simply put, this is an LPG tank that is connected to the oven via a pipe and what is called a regulator (or connector). It provides LPG (gas) to operate the oven.
What is a regulator and how does it work?
This is what a regulator (or connector) looks like. Quite simply it keeps you and your tank (and your house!) safe. It has two positions, on and off. If you're not cooking always keep it on off.
Where do I buy them from?
There are distribution nodes in bigger towns, these are usually in the larger supermarkets in your town. You can also buy them from the bottling plants themselves in Birżebbuġa and Luqa.
Gas van
In some neighbourhoods, on particular days you'll hear a horn followed by lots of clanging. It's the gas van! You can give him your empty tank and buy a full one.
How safe is it?
It is safe. There are a lot of special precautions and systems built into the regulator and the tank itself, but of course, common sense has to be exercised when you're dealing with any type of gas or chemical. Be careful and ensure that you keep it off when not being used.