Bulk LPG - Cheapest suppliers / supply route?

Mister_G

JerryW said:

Mister_G said:

No, they don't.  I also do not have a fixed term contract with them.

Confused now. Is it their tank, or yours?

Their tank.  They took it over from Calor about 5 years ago.

Mister_G

Sorting_Hat said:

Mister_G said:

Sorting_Hat said:

Mister_G said:

Well it looks like the recent gas price increases have finally hit the LPG market.

I've just filled up (1000 litres) at 38ppl, that's 5ppl more than earlier in the year.

That works out at 6.3p/kWh, which I suppose is still a lot better than the current wholesale prices!

At least I don't have to pay a daily service charge!

Do HBS not charge you to rent their tank from them? Ive heard of another independent that does similar. 
Rare though.

No, they don't.  I also do not have a fixed term contract with them.

As you know the exclusivity period is the 2 years ie the bit where you cant switch. After that all agreements become in effect rolling contracts (ie its still their tank and only they can fill) but your free to switch if you want. Mostly at this stage LPG firms would put you on a variable rate.

Yes, having had LPG for the past 38 years, I know how it is supposed to work.

I've never had a contract or agreement with them (no paperwork and nothing signed).  Yes. it is a variable rate but I must admit this is the first time that it has gone up recently.

We have a buying group in the village and we have managed to secure preferential rates.

JerryW

Mister_G said:

JerryW said:

Mister_G said:

No, they don't.  I also do not have a fixed term contract with them.

Confused now. Is it their tank, or yours?

Their tank.  They took it over from Calor about 5 years ago.

Then you are milking them. Tanks DO cost money to maintain, refurbish and replace. And the supplier has a legal responsibility to keep them legal which includes regular inspections etc. Either you have somehow fallen off their radar, or they are not fulfilling their legal obligations...

I do like the buying group idea... every village should have one

Mister_G

JerryW said:

Mister_G said:

JerryW said:

Mister_G said:

No, they don't.  I also do not have a fixed term contract with them.

Confused now. Is it their tank, or yours?

Their tank.  They took it over from Calor about 5 years ago.

Then you are milking them. Tanks DO cost money to maintain, refurbish and replace. And the supplier has a legal responsibility to keep them legal which includes regular inspections etc. Either you have somehow fallen off their radar, or they are not fulfilling their legal obligations...

I do like the buying group idea... every village should have one

I disagree.  They do not have a tank charge on any of their contracts.  I assume it's factored into their per litre price.

HBS Fuels Domestic Heating Gas | Hampshire Oil & LPG

They inspect the tank every time they fill it.

Sorting_Hat

I hope nothing goes wrong with your tank. Expensive for you if it does.

Tanks are tested every 10 years with a more thorough inspection at each 20 year period.  In addition if the tank is underground then it has cathodic protection against corrosion and this is tested 3 yearly sometimes more frequently if needs be. 

Mister_G

Sorting_Hat said:

I hope nothing goes wrong with your tank. Expensive for you if it does.

Tanks are tested every 10 years with a more thorough inspection at each 20 year period.  In addition if the tank is underground then it has cathodic protection against corrosion and this is tested 3 yearly sometimes more frequently if needs be. 

HBS have confirmed to me that the tank is their responsibility, so I have no worries there.

markmorgan

I think FloGas are playing a prank on me?  They've just sent me a letter saying that they are increasing my bulk LPG price per litre to 82.95ppl and have "generously" offered to fix that for 24-months. 

Sorting_Hat

Would it be fair to think its been a while since you looked at the lpg price or signed your agreement?  That rate sounds like a variable rate and if/ when they look at what you have paid over time and it has been on the high side they may well offer something like that as you have paid similar over time.  It could be you have been paying 60 odd pence and with the surge in the market that has crept up to around the 80 p mark.

If your commercial that could be where you have arrived at after the 5th year of that commercial agreement.

markmorgan

Sorting_Hat said:

Would it be fair to think its been a while since you looked at the lpg price or signed your agreement?  That rate sounds like a variable rate and if when they look at what you have paid over time and it has been on the high side they may well offer something like that as you have paid similar over time.  It could be you have been paying 60 odd pence and with the surge in the market that has crept up to around the 80 p mark.

If your commercial that could be where you have arrived at after the 5th year of that commercial agreement.

Is it me or do Flogas make it hard to find what you are paying?  It is not on the online account system as far as I can see.  The only place I've found it is in PDF invoices for actual deliveries.  It looks like I've been paying 67.95ppl but I can't find when it increased to that.

JerryW

markmorgan said:

...

Is it me or do Flogas make it hard to find what you are paying?  It is not on the online account system as far as I can see.  The only place I've found it is in PDF invoices for actual deliveries.  It looks like I've been paying 67.95ppl but I can't find when it increased to that.

Ha, you have been asleep, and you have work to do. The lpg market rewards those who manage it properly, but it can be harsh on those who think they will be protected no matter what and don't need to bother.

Find the contract you signed. When exactly was that? What did it say about pricing?

Let us know. I suspect your contract is well expired, but have a look. The good news is that you should be paying 30 something p/l so keep us posted

Jerry