Bulk LPG - Cheapest suppliers / supply route?

Mister_G

Yes.  Been with them for about 10 years now.

Tinhat

Well with the current oil price down to below 20ppl, I think the suppliers are having a laugh.

 I’m now out of contract, but will wait until next month to start negotiating with the suppliers as they seem to set their prices monthly from the beginning of each month. Hopefully those low oil prices will have fed through by then. (I know - ‘dream on’ 😐)

Andrew1066

So despite not having top ups activated, Flogas has twice tried to top my tank up. 

I luckily caught them both times. 

When I told the second driver this and asked why he was trying to fill my tank he said “we’ve been told to top up tanks regardless because we are not making much money currently “

I called Flogas to ensure they didn’t try to fill it again. They confirmed it clearly said no top ups on my account, but wouldn’t confirm or deny the drivers comments. 

I asked out of interest what they would currently charge, 38 PPL was the reply. 

I coming to the end of second year of my contract. First year was 33 PPL. 

I asked how they could justify the 15% price increase despite wholesale gas prices being cheaper even Through last year than when I signed my contract. 

They couldn’t justify it.  

Of course the maximum second price increase was 5p so no surprises that’s what they are charging irrelevant of cost.  

Ozzysmate

When I had the misfortune to be with Flogas, every time the crude oil price increased they'd use that as an excuse to increase their LPG prices. Of course, it went without saying that when the oil price fell, LPG stayed the same.

JerryW

Hey, it is where we are with the ripoff LPG industry: the sales and marketing departments from hell.

All you can do is push back at every single opportunity: never miss a chance to compare prices, bargain, and take the cheaper one. Never accept ANY price rise without complaining and asking them to justify it *in writing.* If they don't, you have a right to give notice and go elsewhere.

 There are benefits to lpg. But who is going to appreciate them, when they are being swindled every time they buy?

bageldog

I have been with Calor since they installed my underground tank. I'm also in Hampshire and they are charging 45.5ppl + VAT, quote from Avanti is 0.32ppl + VAT.  Phoned Calor today and they said the best was 43.5ppl. Very happy with the service but they don't seem to be able to react to downward trends very well.

I have now emailed jGas as they have a depot nr. Southampton and HBS in Stockbridge to see what they can do.   

I was with FloGas in a previous house in Wales but they kept increasing the price, this was before the days or being able to switch suppliers easily, as soon as I could switch, I did ! & moved to Calor at the time. Vowed never to touch FloGas again, looks like they are still upto the same tricks as about 10 years ago.

Andrew1066

I would be interested in the prices J gas and HBS give you please as I was considering transferring to HBS when my contract ends. 

mitchelkitman

This is a Cartel they are running. We were told a couple of years ago our 'tanks don't comply'. They sent 2 guys around (clearly to frighten an old man!). Said they don't comply, so I asked 1) Is the gas any more volatile than it used to be 2) what are the alternatives and 3) why have they been there over 30 years without question. Was told the tanks could be moved to the front of the garden, it's the same gas (no surprise there of course). I pointed out a connector on the tanks had twice leaked over a 5 year period, so if they were moved to the front of the garden (next to pavement) and leaked again it would be more dangerous because someone could chuck a cigarette near them (couldn't in their present position). My alternative was to put them underground, which I agreed to if Calor paid - they declined of course, and said because of history they can stay where they are (after I said "have they been unsafe for years then, or are you applying retrospective legislation?). This has meant I'm unable to change supplier, as they won't fill non-compliant tanks. I asked Flogas about  supply (they won't), and they said the rules changed 2 years ago. The industry has been investigated by Office of Fair Trading (do a google) and they wriggled, changed their transparency of contract and agreed customers could move to other suppliers (seems they are slipping again!) and were allowed to self-regulate.Hmm. So 2 years ago they change the rules so nothing can be within 3m of tanks and they can say the tanks 'don't comply', retaining the customer against their will again. What next? change of rules 'tanks MUST be underground to comply?
Also BEWARE, I've seen reports that underground tanks (open to high water table/corrosion) are then condemned after 10 year inspection and customer has to pay to did ground etc for tank replacement.  

JerryW

mitchelkitman said:

This is a Cartel they are running. ....

Well, certainly this is an industry that could be more competitive than it is. But it is better than it used to be.
I'm sorry to hear of the problems you've had but they are solvable, and I know this because I had the same problems. What I did was:

1. telephone calor and ask to speak to a sales representative. Tell them you have had a much cheaper quote from ... - all of them will quote, even if the tank subsequently fails a survey. Actually it is best to have the survey, and thus find out exactly how and where the tank fails.

2. Agree the best price you can with calor, and then tell them that in order to sign a contract, the tank will have to be made fully compliant with current regulations. Note: THEY HAVE A LEGAL OBLIGATION TO DO THIS! - It is their tank, I am assuming, after all. If you aren't renting it from them, as most do, but own the tank, you must sort that yourself ..

3. At my request Calor sent someone to survey the tank, they agreed with me, they replaced the tank and moved it to a compliant location and what is more, replaced all of the pipework between the tank and the house. I had to provide a concrete bed to secure the tank to, but that is all.

My advice would be not to get emotional or frustrated about it (as you did in your post), they are just ordinary people like you and me, doing a daily job. Calor engineers are decent people. Learn the regulations, and hold the supplier to them. Don't take any nonsense, but be polite... Put your problem-soving hat on, good luck and do let us know how you get on ..

mitchelkitman

Glad you were satisfied with your outcome. ours can't be moved to another position. This 'compliance' all part of their 'game' to get more money out of us! there is no law (only guidelines) that says the tanks have to be 3m from anything. Ther is nothing wrong with the position they are in (try telling me otherwise, when they have been there 30 years and not gone bang, despite leaking on 2 occassions). Also try to convince me 1m to properties/fence or 3m will make any difference - if they go bang they'll take the whole village with them! Dramatics aside, they make the rules up as they go along, as they do with the price. I can see I'll have to go to the ombudsman. BTW you best agreed price, was it fixed? variable? in the 35p to 45p or the pensioner's 60p rate?