building materialS
country. Simply put, the larger the network of
distributors and retailers of the product, the
easier it is to source or have LPGas delivered.
“This is applicable not only to the LPGas itself,
but also to LPGas appliances and equipment,”
“Unsuspecting consumers believe they are
getting a ‘good price’ whereas, in reality,
they are being cheated” – Kevin Robertson
he says.
Filling: the issue
To understand what is happening, Robertson
explained the following: There are basically
two types of LPGas cylinders:
1) Those which are purchased outright by the
consumer. The consumer owns the cylinder,
can have it filled wherever they choose and is
responsible for maintaining the cylinder in a
safe condition.
2) Those for which the consumer pays a once
off deposit. These cylinders are owned by
the companies who supply, fill and maintain
them – these cylinders inevitably carry the
brand of the supplier.
The current problem in the market is that
the cylinders which a customer pays a
HARDWARE AFRICA 2013
45