Whether you need gas for your braai, stove, or geyser, this guide covers everything about LP gas exchange and refill in Pretoria and surrounding areas.
Current LP Gas Prices (2025)
Exchange/Refill Prices
| Cylinder Size | Price Range | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9kg | R296 to R339 | R305 to R315 |
| 19kg | R625 to R670 | R645 to R660 |
| 48kg | R1,580 to R1,700 | R1,635 |
Prices vary by supplier and may change
Buying a Cylinder and Gas
If you don't have a cylinder:
| Size | Deposit | Cylinder + Gas |
|---|---|---|
| 9kg | R345 | R1,056 to R1,188 |
| 19kg | R350 | R1,688 to R1,859 |
| 48kg | R400 | R2,889 to R3,690 |
Exchange vs Refill: What's the Difference?
Exchange (Most Common)
Process:
- Bring your empty cylinder
- Exchange it for a pre-filled one
- Pay only for gas content
- Instant service, no waiting
Which cylinders can be exchanged?
- Major brands: Totalgaz, Afrox, Easigas, Kayagaz, Handigas, Oryx
- Must have valid petroleum company branding
- Must be in good condition
Which CANNOT be exchanged?
- Private brands: CADAC, ALVA, SAFEGAS, TOTAI
- Damaged or expired cylinders
- Unmarked cylinders
Refill (Store-Based)
Process:
- Bring your specific cylinder
- Wait while they fill it
- Charged by weight
- Takes 10-20 minutes
When to use:
- Private brand cylinders
- You want to keep your specific cylinder
- Available at select locations
Typical refill rate: R32-37 per kg
Where to Get Gas in Pretoria
24/7 Locations
EPG Gas, Pretoria West
- Address: 450 Es'kia Mphahlele Dr
- Open: 24 hours, 7 days
- Services: Exchange and refill
- All cylinder sizes
Budget Gas Newlands
- Area: Newlands, Pretoria
- Open: 24/7 exchange
- Quick service
Standard Hours Locations
Budget Gas
- Areas: Pretoria East, Centurion
- Hours: Mon-Sat, 7am-5pm
- Exchange and refill
Alectra Solutions
- Locations: Hatfield, Wonderboom and Menlyn, Pretoria
- Hours: Hatfield Mon-Fri 07:30-17:00, Sat 08:00-17:00; Wonderboom daily 08:00-16:45; Menlyn Mon-Sat 08:00-16:45
- Exchange service
- WhatsApp: Hatfield 065 975 1462, Wonderboom 074 512 4065
Cylinder Sizes: Which Do You Need?
9kg Cylinder
Best for:
- Braais and BBQ
- Camping
- Single gas appliances
- Portable heaters
- Small households
Lifespan:
- Braai use: 10-15 braais
- Stove use: 3-4 weeks (moderate)
19kg Cylinder
Best for:
- Household cooking
- Gas stoves
- Small water heaters
- Regular home use
Lifespan:
- Cooking only: 6-8 weeks
- Stove + oven: 4-6 weeks
48kg Cylinder
Best for:
- Gas geysers
- Gas fireplaces
- Restaurants
- Commercial use
- High-consumption households
Lifespan:
- Geyser use: 4-6 weeks
- Commercial: Varies
Safety Tips
Cylinder Handling
- Keep upright during transport
- Store outdoors in ventilated area
- Away from heat sources
- Check expiry date (10 years from manufacture)
Signs of Problems
- Hissing sound (gas leak)
- Rotten egg smell (added odorant)
- Rust or damage on cylinder
- Difficulty connecting regulator
What to Do If You Smell Gas
- Don't use electrical switches
- Extinguish any flames
- Turn off cylinder valve
- Ventilate the area
- Leave the area
- Call supplier for assistance
Saving Money on Gas
Bulk Discounts
Many suppliers offer discounts for:
- Multiple cylinder purchase
- Regular customers
- Business accounts
Price Comparison
Prices can vary R50-100 between suppliers. Call ahead to compare:
- Exchange vs refill rates
- Bulk discounts
Common Questions
Can I exchange a different brand cylinder?
Yes, most major petroleum brands can be exchanged at most suppliers. Private brand cylinders (CADAC, ALVA) need refilling at specific locations.
How long does gas last?
Depends on usage:
- 9kg for braai: ~15 sessions
- 19kg for cooking: 4-8 weeks
- 48kg for geyser: 4-6 weeks
Is it safe to transport in my car?
Yes, if:
- Cylinder is upright
- Valve is closed
- Windows open for ventilation
- Not in direct sunlight
How do I know if my cylinder is empty?
- Flame becomes weak/yellow
- Appliance won't maintain temperature
- Weight is noticeably lighter
- Use hot water test (condensation shows liquid level)
Does Alectra Solutions deliver gas?
Yes, in the Pretoria area. We deliver from the Alectra branch closest to you (Hatfield, Wonderboom or Menlyn), and the fee depends on how far you are from that branch by road:
- Within 5 km: R99, or free when your order includes a 48 kg cylinder.
- 5 to 10 km: R150, every size.
- More than 10 km: collection only.
Orders placed before 12:00 are delivered the same day. Orders placed after 12:00 go out on the next business day, and there are no deliveries on Sundays or public holidays. The driver brings the full cylinder to where you use it, connects it to your regulator and takes the empty away, at no extra charge. If you pay by EFT, your order goes out once the payment reflects in our account.
Quick Contact Reference
Emergency:
- Gas leak: Evacuate, call supplier
- Fire: Call 10177
Suppliers:
- Budget Gas: budgetgas.co.za
- EPG Gas: epggas.co.za
- Alectra Solutions: 012 566 3123
Conclusion
Exchanging an LP gas cylinder in Pretoria is quick once you know where to go. Check the brand on your cylinder before you leave home, compare prices between suppliers, and transport the cylinder upright with the valve closed.
For LP gas exchange in Pretoria, visit Alectra Solutions in Hatfield, Wonderboom or Menlyn, or have your gas delivered if you live within 10 km of a branch.
