Latest news with #Easigas
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
LPG refilling scams endanger lives and public safety
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. ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni breaks down new electricity costs for residents '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. These operators also store hundreds of cylinders in cramped garages or makeshift workshops. One accident could devastate an entire neighbourhood. ALSO READ: Your help needed to keep trauma support SA's volunteer team strong 'Additionally, illegal operators avoid paying taxes, depriving the country of millions in revenue that could support essential infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools,' he says. 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. Choose licensed suppliers and pay fair market prices. When protecting those you care about, the only acceptable option is the legitimate one,' Tromp concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Illegally refilled gas cylinders put you at risk
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.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Herald
01-07-2025
- The Herald
Why it's not worth buying 'cheap' gas canister refills
'Discount prices' and incorrectly refilled gas cylinders can put lives and property at risk. Here are the reasons it may actually not be a bargain and the warning signs to look out for. 'When family safety is at stake, shortcuts can prove far more costly than any initial savings,' says Jeremie Tromp from Easigas. 'Legal requirements mandate that gas cylinders be filled exclusively by trained, certified professionals adhering to strict safety protocols. However, illegal operators disregard these standards, cutting corners and tampering with contents to offer cylinder refills at reduced prices.' Overfilled cylinders increase pressure to dangerous levels, making them unstable. Even minor impacts, temperature changes, or mishandling can lead to leaks. Contaminated gas is another hazard. Tromp says 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 endanger homes and occupants.' Cylinders may also be underfilled to appear like a better deal but actually contain less gas than advertised, forcing consumers to refill more frequently and spend more overall. 'Contaminated fuel can destroy a R3,000 gas stove, while hidden leaks can trigger fires,' he says. 'Insurance companies may likely repudiate claims when investigations reveal the use of illegally refilled cylinders. Families have lost their homes entirely. The question isn't whether this could happen to you — it's whether you're prepared to risk everything you own.' The risks extend beyond individual homes to entire communities, he says. Illegal operators often transport numerous 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.' Red flags for consumers to watch out for: 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 company name, weight, serial number and country of origin) Multiple brands delivered from the same vehicle. 'If something appears questionable, it likely is,' advises Tromp. If you believe your cylinder has been illegally refilled, do not ignite the gas or handle the cylinder roughly. Contact a licensed gas supplier to safely remove and replace the cylinder or return the cylinder to the purchase point. Report the seller to your local municipality or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association. It is also advisable to alert your community through appropriate channels so they do not fall for the same 'deal'. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Beware of illegal refilling
However, to save additional money, some individuals may unwittingly buy unsafe, illegally filled LPG cylinders. 'If an unauthorised party/person fills the branded cylinder of a legitimate company, instead of the owner of the branded cylinder themselves, or an approved distributor, then it is considered illegally filled,' explains Nomkhosi Makhathini of Easigas. 'The South African National Standard, SANS 10019, requires that all LPG cylinders must be handled and filled by competent and authorised persons, and illegal refillers are usually not adequately trained on how to handle LPG.' Makhathini outlines the dangers of buying an illegally refilled cylinder: * Illegal refillers take no liability for accidents. * They do not check theintegrity of cylinders beforefilling them, which couldresult in leaks. * Illegally refilled cylinders are not maintained. * Cylinders filled illegally are often under-filled and sometimes filled with ill-suited substances to increase the weight artificially, meaning consumers will pay more per kilogram of gas. This not only shortchanges buyers but also results in LPG that burns inefficiently, making it more expensive in the long run. * Cylinders can also be overfilled and pose a major threat to the public. * Dealers who buy illegally filled cylinders are breaking the law. * These cylinders could leak or rupture at home with devastating consequences for the public. Six tips to identify illegally filled cylinders: * Examine the seal: Every cylinder should be sealed with a plastic wrap featuring the gas supplier's official branding and a serial number verifying where it was filled. * The seal's branding should match the logo printed on the cylinder. * Check the last recertification date: This information is found on the neck ring and should be less than 15 years old to ensure the cylinder remains safe for use. * Look for dents: A cylinder should have a symmetrical shape without any distortions or visible damage, as dents may compromise its integrity. * Inspect the foot ring: A dented foot ring would not pass a legitimate LPG supplier's safety standards, as it could indicate structural weakness. * Assess the physical condition: Be wary of signs of corrosion, burns, bulges, or any illegal repairs or modifications. These could suggest exposure to unsafe conditions or inadequate maintenance. * Perform a leak test: Apply soapy water around the valve. If bubbles form, there is a gas leak, and the cylinder should not be used. 'Consumers hold the key to addressing illegal refilling through their purchasing decisions. By making informed choices, they can protect themselves and their families from harm while supporting a regulated industry that upholds strict safety and quality standards,' she concludes. Should you suspect your cylinder has been illegally refilled, report it to SAPS or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
