Price of butane gas cylinder soars: new hike from this Tuesday due to Iran conflict
Well, here we go again. This Tuesday, March 16th, if you're due to swap out your butane cylinder, you're in for a bit of a shock when you see the price. And for good reason: the conflict in Iran has come back to tighten the squeeze on our wallets. It's official now: the price of the standard 12.5kg cylinder is taking a hefty jump, hitting a new record high.
How much does a butane cylinder cost now?
What happens in the Middle East has a direct impact on the energy market, and we feel it here almost instantly. This time, the hike is down to the troubles with Iran – a major player in the oil and gas game, as you know. And of course, butane isn't spared. From this Tuesday, the maximum price for a cylinder has smashed through the €19 barrier, now sitting at €19.55. It's a tough blow for household budgets, especially for those who rely on it for cooking and heating.
For many homes, particularly in areas without natural gas, the butane cylinder is an absolute essential. With this latest hit, families are starting to weigh up other options or, at the very least, looking to better secure what they've got. For instance, we're seeing a lot more interest in accessories like the wolfpack Plastic Butane Cylinder Stand, which helps keep cylinders stable and prevents accidents (whether on patios, in kitchens, or garages), or in alternative formats like camping gas cartridges.
There are a few key things to keep in mind if you haven't swapped your cylinder yet:
- Prices aren't the same everywhere: Even though the government sets a maximum price, individual shops can sell it for less. Give your local filling station or newsagent a bell to check their price first.
- Is the cylinder yours or not?: If you switch brands, make sure they'll accept your old cylinder. You can usually take a Repsol cylinder to Cepsa and vice versa, but it's always best to ask first.
- Alternatives have their limits: Cartridges like the Campingaz CV470 Plus Gas Cartridge or the Super Ego C470 gas cartridge are grand for portable hobs or heaters, but they won't give you the same staying power as a full-sized cylinder. They're for specific, short-term use.
- Safety first: That Wolfpack plastic stand isn't just a gimmick; if you keep your cylinder outdoors, it stops it from tipping over and causing a potential accident.
So there you have it, time to tighten the belts a notch... and maybe strap down the cylinder too. Here's hoping things calm down in the coming months and we don't have to talk about this again. But sure, if there's one thing we're good at, it's having a good moan about the price of butane. In the meantime, though, we'll just have to make the best of it and not waste a single drop.