What it is
Separated from air in air-separation or PSA plants. Supplied as liquid or in cylinders for cutting and welding, steel, glass, hospitals and aquaculture.
Industrial oxygen (99.5%)Medical oxygen (IP)Liquid oxygen (LOX)
Where imports come from
Made locally by gas companies and cylinder fillers; no official national production figure was found.
Rules before you buy or sell
- Cylinders, filling stations and storage fall under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016 and need PESO licences; cylinders must be BIS-certified (IS 7285).
- Oxygen (liquid) is listed in Schedule 1 of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989. Above the threshold quantities, a unit must notify authorities, keep safety data sheets and an on-site emergency plan.
- Medical oxygen needs a drug manufacturing licence.
Storage and handling
Keep cylinders upright, chained, in a ventilated shed away from oil, grease and fuel gases.
Businesses that use it
Acetylene Gas Plant →MS Fabrication / Steel Furniture Unit →Glass Bangles Making →