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 increased, driven by changes in wholesale propane costs rather than decisions at a local supplier level. 

This page explains what’s happening, why it affects anyone buying patio gas, BBQ gas, or bottled propane, and how we’re handling it at Eastern Gases. 

What’s Behind the Price Increase?

The short version: global energy markets have tightened.

Since early March 2026, wholesale propane prices have risen sharply. This is largely due to disruption in key international shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit point for global oil and gas supplies.

Geopolitical tensions in the region have increased risk for shipping, raised insurance costs, and caused delays. Some vessels are being rerouted around longer paths, adding time and cost to deliveries.

The UK relies heavily on imported gas and has relatively limited storage capacity compared to some European countries. This means wholesale price increases tend to be felt quickly.

Because LPG (propane and butane) is produced during oil refining and natural gas processing, rising energy prices feed directly into the cost of bottled gas cylinders across the market.

Analyzing Bottled Gas Price Increases

How Eastern Gases is Keeping Things Fair

We’ve been supplying bottled gas across London and the surrounding areas since 2009. While market conditions change, our focus remains on keeping pricing fair, consistent, and transparent.

Here’s what we’re doing:

  • Volume pricing still applies
    Ordering multiple cylinders reduces your per-bottle cost. Larger orders continue to receive the best available rates – see the full pricing on our 10kg Gaslight page for an example.
  • Trade accounts available
    For commercial and regular users, our 30-day Direct Debit trade accounts provide consistent pricing and priority delivery access.
  • Free standard delivery remains
    We haven’t introduced delivery surcharges. Free local delivery (2–3 working days) is still available across our full coverage area: including all London postcodes and surrounding regions.
  • Transparent pricing
    All pricing is clearly shown at checkout, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Eastern Gases Commitment to Fairness - Eastern Gases Company

Will Bottled Gas Prices Come Back Down?

Prices should gradually come down as geopolitical conditions stabilise and global supply chains recover, helping to ease pressure on wholesale gas markets.

Common questions

Does the energy price cap affect bottled gas prices?

No. The energy price cap set by Ofgem applies only to mains gas and electricity supplied through the grid. Bottled gas (LPG) is an off-grid fuel and is not covered.

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

Patio gas (propane) is closely linked to crude oil markets. When oil prices rise due to global disruption, propane prices tend to follow. Mains gas prices are often partially stabilised by longer-term supply agreements and regulation.

What’s the most cost-effective way to buy bottled gas?

Ordering multiple cylinders at once is the most effective way to reduce the cost per bottle. Volume pricing is applied automatically, and for regular users, a trade account can provide further consistency and priority service.

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.