Find out about Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Making sure you get a good LPG deal

There are many LPG suppliers in the UK. They all offer different prices. To get the best deal, you can switch to another supplier or ask your current supplier for a better price.

Switching suppliers: bottles vs tanks

You can switch at any time. But if you have a tank, check if you are in a fixed contract. If you are, you might have to pay a fee to leave early.

1. Check if you’ll pay to switch
   Tank users should ask their supplier if there is an exit fee. Bottle users should not have an exit fee.
2. Get quotes from suppliers
   Use the supplier search tool on the Liquid Gas website to see who delivers to you. Get quotes from several companies.
3. Check the small details
   Hire fees – Check what hire fees each supplier will charge you. Hire fees cover looking after your tank or bottles. Different suppliers charge different hire fees. Bottles usually cost £60–£70 a year. Below‑ground tanks usually cost £90–£130 a year.
   Price changes during your contract – Ask if your price will stay the same for a set time. Sometimes suppliers can change your price during your contract, and you’ll need to know if this might happen.
   
4. Haggle with suppliers to get a lower price
   Once you have a few quotes, ask your current supplier if they can match or beat the cheapest one. Then ask the other suppliers if they can beat that price. Keep going until no one can go lower. Choose the deal that works best for you.

How to switch suppliers

Whether you have a tank or use bottles, keep in mind that suppliers do not have to accept you as a customer. If you’re switching suppliers, it is always best to agree a new deal with your new supplier before ending your current deal.

If you have a tank:

1. Agree a contract with your new supplier.
2. Sign a switch notice to tell your old supplier.
3. Switching takes about 28 days. Your new supplier will buy the tank from your old one. You should not lose your gas supply.

If you use bottles:

1. Set up an account with your new supplier and arrange delivery of new bottles.
2. Tell your old supplier you are leaving and return their bottles.
3. There is no formal process, so plan ahead so you don’t run out.

Tips to avoid paying more than you have to

1. Keep an eye on your gas level. Check often so you don’t run out and give yourself time to shop around.
2. Buy early. Emergency deliveries cost more. Order when your tank or last bottle is at 25–30%.
3. Buy in bulk during the summer if you can. Prices are often lower when demand is low in the summer. If you use bottles and buy in bulk, make sure you have a safe place to store them.

Choosing how to pay

• Budget Direct Debit – You pay the same amount each month. This can help with budgeting.
• Variable Direct Debit – You pay when you get a top‑up. Your supplier may order gas for you automatically when your tank gets low and you pay only for the top up.
• Pay upfront – You pay the full amount when you order. If you choose this, it may help to save a little each month in a separate account so the money is ready.