Illegal gas refills could put your family at risk this winter, warns expert

As the cold sets in, many South Africans turn to LPG for warmth and cooking—but beware of illegal gas refills. Experts warn that these cylinders may be overfilled, contaminated, or improperly sealed, posing serious safety threats to your home and neighbourhood.

Many South Africans rely on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for heating and cooking, particularly in winter.

LPG is a cleaner and safer energy source when used correctly. However, discounted cylinder refills can pose serious risks to health, property and financial security.

Jeremie Tromp of Easigas said the danger lies not in the gas, but in how some cylinders are refilled.

Only trained and certified professionals are legally permitted to refill gas cylinders and must follow strict safety protocols while doing so. But Tromp said illegal operators bypass these standards, offering cheap refills by cutting corners and tampering with the cylinder contents.

“Overfilled cylinders build dangerous pressure and become unstable. Even small impacts, heat or rough handling can lead to gas leaks or explosions,” Tromp said.

Another concern is contamination, Tromp warned.

“Illegal operators often add water, paraffin or other substances to increase cylinder weight. These mixtures burn inefficiently, damage appliances and compromise seals, creating hidden leaks that might go undetected until it’s too late,” he said.

In some cases, cylinders are underfilled to appear like a bargain, but consumers end up paying more due to frequent refills.

“Contaminated gas can also destroy appliances worth thousands of rands, and insurance claims might be denied if an investigation reveals illegal refilling.”

Tromp said the danger extends beyond individual homes because illegal operators transport improperly secured cylinders on vehicles without adequate safety measures.

“A pothole or sudden turn could damage a valve, creating a mobile hazard on public roads,” he says.

“These operators also store hundreds of cylinders in cramped garages or makeshift workshops. One accident could devastate an entire neighbourhood.

“Additionally, illegal operators avoid paying taxes, depriving the country of millions in revenue that could support essential infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools.”

Note these red flags:

• Prices significantly below market rates;
• No receipts, documentation or certification proof;
• Seals that don’t match the cylinder brand;
• Blank or generic neck rings (legitimate cylinders display the company name, weight, serial number and country of origin);
• Multiple brands delivered from the same vehicle.
“If something looks questionable, it likely is,” said Tomp.

What to do if you think your cylinder was illegally refilled:

• Do not ignite the gas or roughly handle the cylinder;
• Contact a licensed gas supplier to safely remove and replace the cylinder or return it to the purchase point;
• Report the seller to your municipality or the LP Gas Safety Association;
• Alert your community through appropriate channels.

“When family safety is at stake, shortcuts can prove far more costly than any savings,” Tromp concluded.

“Choose licensed suppliers and pay fair market prices. When protecting those you care about, the only acceptable option is the legitimate one.”

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