12 Questions to Ask a Gas Supplier First

A cold shower, an empty bottle halfway through supper, or a delayed delivery before a busy weekend can turn LPG from a convenience into a problem. Searches for "questions to ask gas supplier" often come from people who have already had one of those experiences. The right supplier should make ordering simple, but they should also be clear about price, bottle exchange, safety and support before you place an order.

Questions to ask a gas supplier before you order

1. Which LPG bottle size suits my actual usage?

Start with how you use gas, not the biggest bottle on the price list. A 9kg bottle can suit a gas hob, small cooker or occasional braai use. A 19kg bottle is often a practical household choice for regular cooking or a gas geyser with moderate demand. A 48kg bottle is better suited to higher consumption, multiple appliances or a small business that cannot afford frequent exchanges.

Ask the supplier to explain the likely run time based on your appliances and household size. Estimates will vary with season, cooking habits and geyser settings, but a knowledgeable answer helps you avoid paying for unnecessary capacity or running out too often. Also ask whether the bottle will fit safely in the planned location before delivery.

2. Do you deliver to my area, and when?

Delivery promises mean very little if they do not apply to your suburb or the time you need gas. Confirm that your address falls within the supplier's service area, then ask about the ordering cut-off for same-day delivery and what is guaranteed if the order is placed later.

For homes in Pretoria, Centurion, Hartbeespoort, Brits or Lanseria, local coverage can make a real difference when a bottle runs empty unexpectedly. Check whether delivery is free, whether there is a minimum order, and whether access restrictions at an estate, complex or business premises need to be arranged beforehand. A reliable supplier will be upfront rather than leaving you to find out on delivery day.

3. Is the advertised price for a refill, an exchange or a new bottle?

This is one of the most useful questions to ask a gas supplier because LPG prices are not always presented in the same way. A refill or exchange price usually assumes you are handing over an empty compatible cylinder. If you are buying your first bottle, you may need to pay separately for the cylinder, deposit or rental arrangement.

Ask for the full amount payable, including VAT, delivery and any bottle-related charge. If a supplier advertises price matching or a quote-beating promise, ask what proof they require and whether the comparison covers the same cylinder size, gas quantity and delivery area. The lowest headline figure is only a good deal when the final invoice matches it.

4. Can I exchange a bottle from another brand?

Do not assume every cylinder can be exchanged by every supplier. Bottle ownership, valve types and brand policies can affect what is accepted. Tell the supplier what size and brand of bottle you currently have, and ask whether it can be exchanged, needs to be collected, or must remain with its original owner.

If you do not have a bottle yet, establish whether you are purchasing the cylinder outright or paying a refundable deposit. Keep any paperwork provided with the first bottle. It can save time when you move, change suppliers or need to query ownership later.

5. How do you check the cylinder is safe to use?

A good LPG supplier should take the condition of the bottle seriously, not treat it as an afterthought. Ask how cylinders are inspected before they are filled or exchanged, how they check valves and seals, and what happens if a bottle is damaged, badly corroded or out of test.

When the delivery arrives, inspect it too. The cylinder should be upright, stable and free from obvious damage. Check that the valve has an intact safety seal where applicable, and never accept a bottle that has a strong gas smell, a damaged valve or signs of severe rust. LPG has an added odour specifically so leaks can be detected quickly.

6. Can you install my stove, hob, geyser or braai?

Delivery and installation are different services. If you are connecting a new appliance, changing from electricity to gas, or moving a cylinder position, ask whether the supplier provides certified installation and what the service includes. The answer should cover the regulator, hose, piping, isolation valves, brackets, ventilation and leak testing where relevant.

Also ask whether the installer is properly qualified and whether you will receive the required compliance documentation for the work. This matters for safety, insurance and future property transactions. The cheapest installation is not a saving if it leaves an unsafe connection or requires costly correction later.

7. What equipment do I need with the bottle?

An LPG system is more than the cylinder. The correct regulator, hose, clips, fittings and appliance connections depend on what you are running and where it is installed. A domestic cooker setup may need different components from a gas geyser or a commercial kitchen.

Ask the supplier to confirm exactly what is included and what must be bought separately. If you already have a regulator or hose, ask whether it is compatible and still in safe condition. Do not try to make mismatched fittings work or use worn hoses because they are already on hand.

8. Where can the cylinder be placed safely?

Convenience matters, but LPG bottles need a suitable location. Ask for guidance on clearance from doors, windows, drains, electrical equipment, open flames and sources of heat. The cylinder should be kept upright in a well-ventilated area, not stored in a basement, enclosed cupboard or poorly ventilated indoor space.

This question is particularly useful for flats, estates and homes with limited outdoor space. Your body corporate or estate may have additional rules about bottle size, screening or installation positions. Confirm these requirements before delivery so the driver is not left with nowhere safe to place the cylinder.

9. What should I do if I smell gas or suspect a leak?

You want a direct answer before an emergency occurs. Ask the supplier for its leak and emergency procedure, including contact details and whether it offers technical support outside normal delivery hours. Clear advice should include closing the cylinder valve if it is safe to do so, keeping flames and sparks away, avoiding electrical switches, ventilating the area and moving away before calling for help.

Never test for a leak with a match or lighter. A qualified technician can identify and repair the cause safely. If the smell is strong or you cannot stop the leak, treat it as urgent and keep people away from the area.

10. What happens if a delivery is late or an item is unavailable?

Even well-run delivery operations can face traffic, weather, stock pressure or access delays. The key question is how the supplier communicates and resolves the issue. Ask whether you will receive confirmation, an expected delivery window and an update if plans change.

For a restaurant, guesthouse, workshop or retailer, also ask about continuity of supply. A missed delivery can mean lost trade, not just an inconvenient meal. Businesses using several bottles may benefit from keeping a sensible reserve and setting a reorder point rather than waiting until the last cylinder is empty.

11. Do you offer trade pricing or supply for resellers?

If you run a shop, restaurant, accommodation business or local delivery operation, household pricing may not be the right arrangement. Ask about bulk LPG pricing, minimum volumes, stock availability, payment terms and whether the supplier supports reseller partnerships.

The right trade supplier should be able to explain margins and practical ordering arrangements without vague promises. Consistent stock, clear pricing and dependable delivery often matter more to a reseller than chasing a once-off discounted rate.

12. Who do I contact after the delivery?

A supplier relationship should not end when the bottle is dropped at the gate. Ask how to arrange the next exchange, request installation help, query a charge or report a problem with a cylinder. It is also worth checking whether there is a straightforward ordering process for repeat customers.

Northern Gas, for example, combines LPG bottle delivery, cylinder exchanges and certified installation support for customers who need one practical point of contact. Whatever supplier you choose, responsiveness after the sale is a strong sign that the service will be dependable when you need it most.

Before your next order, take a photo of your current cylinder label, note the appliances it serves and keep your delivery address details ready. A five-minute conversation now can prevent the wrong bottle, an avoidable delay or an unsafe connection later.