Buying cooking gas seems like a "insert, refill, pay and go home", lol.
But one small mistake can lead to danger, wasted money, or poor cooking performance. In Nigeria, where the use of gas cylinders is growing fast, it’s important to know how to buy gas safely and smartly.
Whether you buy from a retailer shops or a big gas plant, here are the top 5 mistakes you must avoid when buying cooking gas.
• Buying from Unlicensed/Unprofessional or Roadside Dealers
Many people buy gas from roadside sellers because it’s closer. But this can be dangerous. But an unprofessional retailer shop may use poor-quality equipment, overfill cylinders, or skip important safety checks.
This increases the risk of gas leaks, explosions, and damage to your stove or cylinder.
Tip: Always buy from a licensed gas plant or trusted filling station. Make sure they weigh your cylinder and follow safety standards.
• Not Checking for Leaks or Faulty Cylinders
Some gas sellers may give you cylinders without the o-ring sealing rubber inserted inside the valve - in fact, some gas retailer refilling equipments can actually damage your gas cylinder valve, thereby causing leakages or slacking the rubber inside.
But the fact remains - using a faulty cylinder can lead to gas leaks, which may cause fire or explosion in your home.
Tip: Always inspect the cylinder before accepting it. Check for dents, rust, and the smell of gas. If anything feels wrong, ask for a different one.
• Not Checking the Weight of the Gas
Some vendors underfill cylinders, especially when prices go up. You may pay for 12.5kg and get only 10kg. This means you’ll run out of gas faster and spend more money over time.
Tip: Ask the seller to weigh your cylinder before and after refilling. A full 12.5kg cylinder should weigh around 25–26kg including the metal.
• Using the Wrong Regulator or Hose After Purchase
After buying new gas, some people reconnect their cylinder using old or incompatible regulators and hoses. This can cause leaks, poor gas flow, or unsafe pressure.
Tip: Make sure you use only high-quality regulators and hoses that fit your cylinder well. Replace them if they’re cracked, loose, or worn out.
• Waiting Until the Cylinder Is Empty Before Refilling
There is a secret - waiting until your gas finishes completely before buying more can lead to pressure build-up in the cylinder or air getting trapped. This can affect how your stove burns or damage the regulator.
Tip: Refill your gas when it’s getting low, not when it’s completely empty. Keep a backup cylinder if possible.