Sitha Maliwa
With electricity prices set to rise by 12.7% come 1 April 2025 and inflation edging up again, more domestic consumers are expected to seek cost-effective and reliable energy alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the cost of which is approximately 15% lower than that of electricity. However, to save additional money, some individuals may unwittingly buy unsafe, illegally filled LPG cylinders.
“If an unauthorised person fills the branded cylinder of a legitimate company, instead of the owner of the branded cylinder themselves, or an approved distributor, then it is considered to be illegally filled,” explains Nomkhosi Makhathini of Easigas. “The South African National Standard, SANS 10019, requires that all LPG cylinders must be handled and filled by competent and authorised persons, and illegal refillers are usually not adequately trained on how to handle LPG.”
She points out that the dangers of buying an illegally refilled cylinder can far outweigh any potential savings. “Unlike legally filled cylinders, which are handled and filled by competent, authorised professionals, illegally refilled cylinders pose significant safety risks.”
Below, Makhathini outlines the dangers of buying an illegally refilled cylinder:
· Illegal refillers take no liability for accidents.
· They do not check the integrity of cylinders before filling them, which could result in leaks.
· Illegally refilled cylinders are not maintained.
· Cylinders filled illegally are often under-filled and sometimes filled with ill-suited substances to increase the weight artificially, meaning consumers will pay more per kilogram of gas. This not only shortchanges buyers but also results in LPG that burns inefficiently, making it more expensive in the long run.
· Cylinders can also be overfilled and pose a major threat to the public.
· Dealers who buy illegally filled cylinders are breaking the law.
· These cylinders could leak or rupture at home with devastating consequences for the public.
She warns that by purchasing LPG from illegal refillers, consumers unknowingly put themselves, their families, and their homes in harm’s way, as these suppliers operate without proper safety protocols, heightening the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
To help identify illegally filled cylinders and ensure their safety, Makhathini shares six tips:
- Examine the seal: Every cylinder should be sealed with a plastic wrap featuring the gas supplier’s official branding and a serial number verifying where it was filled. The seal’s branding should match the logo printed on the cylinder.
- Check the last recertification date: This information is found on the neck ring and should be less than 15 years old to ensure the cylinder remains safe for use.
- Look for dents: A cylinder should have a symmetrical shape without any distortions or visible damage, as dents may compromise its integrity.
- Inspect the foot ring: A dented foot ring would not pass a legitimate LPG supplier’s safety standards, as it could indicate structural weakness.
- Assess the physical condition: Be wary of signs of corrosion, burns, bulges, or any illegal repairs or modifications. These could suggest exposure to unsafe conditions or inadequate maintenance.
- Perform a leak test: Apply soapy water around the valve. If bubbles form, there is a gas leak, and the cylinder should not be used.
“Illegal LPG refillers not only endanger consumers but also disrupt the legitimate industry since they misappropriate cylinders which legally belong to major wholesalers,” notes Makhathini. These companies invest in and distribute cylinders through a deposit-based system, ensuring safe and regulated use. When illicit traders use these cylinders for unauthorised refilling, the rightful owners lose control of the maintenance cycle. This practice is effectively theft – repurposing stolen property for illegal gain. The impact extends beyond the LPG industry, affecting the broader economy since many of these unlawful traders evade taxes.”
She adds that consumers hold the key to addressing illegal refilling through their purchasing decisions.
By making informed choices, consumers can protect themselves and their families from harm while supporting a regulated industry that upholds strict safety and quality standards,” she concludes.
Should you suspect your cylinder has been illegally refilled, report it to SAPS or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA). – @NewsSA_Online
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