Last updated: April 2026

If you’ve noticed that your LPG refill costs more than it did a few weeks ago, you’re not imagining it. Bottled gas prices across the UK have gone up, and it’s not because your local supplier has decided to charge you extra. The increase comes from further up the chain — wholesale propane costs have risen sharply since early March 2026, driven by the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its knock-on effect on global oil and gas markets.

We wanted to explain what’s happening, why it matters for anyone who buys patio gas, BBQ gas, or any bottled propane, and what we’re doing about it at Eastern Gases.

What’s Behind the Price Increase?

The short version: oil and gas prices have spiked because of disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a significant share of the world’s LNG and crude oil passes. The Iran conflict, which intensified in early March, has made that route riskier and more expensive for tankers. Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Persian Gulf have jumped. Some LNG shipments that would normally head to Europe are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 15 days to delivery times.

That matters here because the UK imports a large proportion of its gas. We don’t have vast storage reserves like France or Germany — UK gas storage capacity sits at roughly 37% full, compared to over 50% in most of our European neighbours. When global supply tightens, we feel it faster.

Wholesale propane prices in the UK have risen accordingly. And because LPG (the propane and butane in your gas bottles) is derived from oil refining and natural gas processing, the price of every bottled gas cylinder we sell — from a 5kg Gaslight to a 47kg commercial propane — has been affected.

The Flogas Market Volatility Surcharge — What Is It?

Flogas, who supply the majority of bottled gas cylinders in the UK (including all the Gaslight, patio gas, and commercial propane we sell at Eastern Gases), have introduced what they’re calling a market volatility surcharge. It’s a temporary per-cylinder charge applied to every LPG bottle to reflect the sudden rise in wholesale costs.

This isn’t a decision we’ve made, and we don’t add any margin to it. The surcharge is a direct pass-through from Flogas to us, and from us to you, at exactly the amount they set. No markup. If you see it as a line item on your order, that’s the supplier cost coming through transparently.

Flogas have said the surcharge is temporary and linked to the current period of market disruption. When wholesale prices stabilise and they remove it, we’ll remove it from your orders on the same day. We monitor this daily.

How Eastern Gases is Keeping Things Fair

We’ve been delivering bottled gas across London and the Home Counties since 2009, and this isn’t the first time global events have pushed prices around. We went through similar volatility during the 2022 energy crisis and came out of it with our customers’ trust intact. That matters more to us than short-term margin.

Here’s what we’re doing:

  • Our volume pricing still applies. If you order 2 or more cylinders, your per-bottle price drops. At 8 or more, you’re getting the best rate we can offer - see the full pricing on our 10kg Gaslight page for an example. For businesses and regular users, this makes a real difference — and the volume discounts haven’t changed.
  • Trade accounts remain available. If you’re a commercial customer — a restaurant, pub, caterer, or any business that uses gas regularly — our 30-day Direct Debit trade accounts give you priority delivery and consistent pricing. If you haven’t set one up yet, it’s worth considering, especially in a volatile market.
  • Free standard delivery stays. We haven’t added delivery surcharges. Free local delivery (2–3 working days) is still available across our full delivery area: all London postcodes, plus parts of Essex, Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, and Middlesex. Next-day express and Saturday delivery are still available too.
  • Complete transparency. If the surcharge applies to your order, you’ll see it clearly at checkout. No hidden fees, no surprise charges on the invoice. We’d rather explain the situation honestly than quietly absorb it and raise base prices later.

Will Bottled Gas Prices Come Back Down?

Honestly, it depends on what happens in the Middle East and how quickly global shipping routes return to normal. Energy markets can move in both directions — wholesale gas prices dropped significantly between late 2023 and early 2025, and there’s no structural reason they can’t come down again once the current disruption eases.

What we can say is that the Flogas surcharge is explicitly described as temporary. It was introduced in response to a specific and sudden market shift, not as a permanent price adjustment. The moment it’s lifted, your prices with us go back to where they were.

We’ll update this page if and when the situation changes.

Common questions

Does the energy price cap affect bottled gas prices?

No. The Ofgem energy price cap only covers mains gas and electricity supplied through the grid. LPG and bottled propane are classed as off-grid fuels and aren’t regulated by the cap. Bottled gas prices are driven by wholesale propane costs, which are linked to global oil markets.

Is the surcharge the same everywhere, or just at Eastern Gases?

Every Flogas stockist and retailer in the UK is subject to the same market volatility surcharge. It’s a supplier-level charge, not something we’ve introduced. You’ll see it applied by other bottled gas suppliers as well.

Why has patio gas gone up in price more than mains gas?

Patio gas (propane) is a petroleum product — its price tracks crude oil more closely than mains natural gas. When oil prices spike due to conflict or shipping disruptions, propane follows. Mains gas is partially buffered by longer-term supply contracts and Ofgem regulation. Bottled gas doesn’t have that cushion, which is why price movements can feel sharper.

How much is the market volatility surcharge?

The surcharge amount is set by Flogas and can change as market conditions shift. As of April 2026, it’s applied as a per-cylinder charge on each LPG item. The exact amount is shown at checkout so you always know what you’re paying before you confirm your order.

What’s the cheapest way to buy bottled gas right now?

Ordering in bulk is the most effective way to bring down your per-bottle cost. Our volume discounts apply automatically: the more cylinders you order, the lower the unit price. For regular users, setting up a trade account locks in consistent pricing and gives you priority on delivery slots. If you’re a business that uses gas daily, it’s worth a conversation — give us a ring on 020 8500 3583.

We’ll keep this page updated as the situation develops. If you’ve got questions that aren’t covered here, call us on 020 8500 3583 or email help@easterngases.co.uk. We’re always happy to talk it through.