Gas Dealers Advise Customers to Monitor Refills

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria has called on consumers to actively monitor their gas refills and described allegations of underfilling as unfounded.

The association was responding to a report published in November which alleged widespread underfilling by LPG retailers.

In a statement signed by the NUPENG Branch Chairman of the association, Ayobami Olarinoye, LPGAR acknowledged isolated cases of malpractice but stressed that these are not reflective of the industry as a whole.

The association attributed perceptions of underfilling to various factors unrelated to retailers’ practices.

“The size of the family is critical in determining the volume of consumption. Frequency of use is also important in determining how long cooking gas lasts after refilling,” Olarinoye said.

He added that many users focus on the number of days their gas lasts rather than the actual volume consumed.

LPGAR also highlighted other factors, including unauthorized use by children, domestic workers, or neighbors, especially in shared housing arrangements.

“Unauthorized usage often goes unnoticed by gas owners and contributes to faster depletion,” Olarinoye explained.

Leakages from damaged cylinders, faulty hoses, or expired regulators were also cited as major causes of gas wastage.

Olarinoye pointed out that many users fail to conduct regular inspections of their equipment, leading to avoidable losses.

“Carelessness, such as forgetting to turn off burners after cooking, is one of the greatest causes of gas wastage,” he added.

Additionally, the association noted that forgetfulness about the last refill date often leads to misplaced blame on retailers.

Olarinoye advised users to weigh their cylinders before and after refilling to confirm the accuracy of the quantity purchased.

“We encourage those who can afford it to acquire digital scales to verify what they refill,” he said.

The composition of cooking gas was also discussed, with LPGAR explaining that gas with a higher propane content burns faster than gas with more butane, which could further fuel misconceptions.

LPGAR reiterated its commitment to ensuring ethical practices among its members and urged customers to seek clarification from the association if they encounter any issues.

It encouraged consumers to patronize outlets displaying LPGAR-NUPENG Safety Plates for added assurance.