Choosing the Right LPG Supplier

Selecting the right LPG Gas Suppliers for you or your business can be a time consuming process. LPG-Solutions can simplify this process by sourcing the right supplier in the first instance, saving you time and money.

We work with LPG suppliers on behalf of our customers who have varying uses for LPG including agriculture, autogas, catering, caravan parks, domestic households, fork lift trucks, industrial heating, industrial processing, institutions (care homes, hospitals & schools), hotels, leisure (golf clubs & sports clubs), marine and metered estates. Whatever your requirements we can advise you on all elements of an installation.

Many customers will enter into a contract with an LPG supplier without fully investigating the market or asking the right questions. This can prove to be a costly and/or frustrating mistake. The following are some pointers to help you select the right supplier:

  • Price Per Litre – Most companies will offer an introductory price but will reserve the right to vary the rate. If you need to budget for your supply it may pay to enter into a fixed price agreement for a set period. If you are going to be a large user of LPG some suppliers will offer a formula price deal whereby you pay the equivalent of the wholesale price of gas plus a fixed margin. The formula price rate will be set at the beginning of each month. Please note that this method of pricing is normally only available to large business users and may not be available from all suppliers.
  • Hire Charges – Most companies charge a daily hire charge for the tank(s). This goes towards covering maintenance charges, insurance and emergency call out cover etc. Make sure you compare what suppliers are charging.
  • Installation/Tank Capital Charges – Some suppliers will ask for a contribution towards the initial installation and tank capital charges while others will waive the charges.
  • Termination Charges – If you decide you don’t require the tank any longer and want it removing from your property/business suppliers may attempt to apply an uplift charge within the contract. Make sure you compare what suppliers are charging as rates do vary.
  • Contract Period – Contract periods are no more than 2 years for domestic customers and between 1-5 years for commercial customers. Ensure you are have the term of the contract specified.
  • Customer Support – The level of after sale customer care does vary. Some suppliers operate regionalised contact centres where one person is able to deal with all your queries. Other suppliers may pass you between departments for different queries. Be prepared to ask a few searching questions before you commit.
  • Distribution & Product Availability –   When it really matters and, for example when there is a sudden cold snap and everyone wants a fill of gas at the same time, can the supplier guarantee a delivery? Ask about size of tanker fleet, distance to nearest depot, storage facilities and product availability.
  • Timescales – How long from signing an agreement to actual installation? This varies from a week to several months depending on the workload of a supplier and the availability of tanks. Some companies use third party contractors to install tanks and don’t necessarily have a say in the installation timescales.
  • Environmental Considerations – This is a hot topic and one which is becoming evermore prevalent with the onset of global warming. If you or your company hold environmental considerations high on the agenda you should ensure your supplier does to. Are they committed to minimising the impact of their business on the environment? Do they have an environmental statement? Do they carry out any research and development? Do they carbon offset?