Refilling a propane gas bottle in the UK costs between £23 for a small 5kg patio cylinder and £95 for a large 47kg heating bottle, based on prices from major suppliers as of May 2026. Quick reference for the most common sizes:
- 5kg propane (BBQ/patio): ~£23 (Boltons Bottle Gas, free local delivery)
- 12kg propane: ~£32 (Cheshire Gas, FLT grade)
- 13kg propane (Calor): ~£70 (Towler & Staines, incl. VAT, no exchange)
- 18kg propane: ~£42 to £46 (Cheshire Gas, FLT or standard)
- 46kg / 47kg propane: ~£90 to £92 (Cheshire Gas, Flogas with London delivery)
Final cost depends on bottle size, gas type (propane or butane), your location, and the specific supplier. The full price comparison is in the table below.
What you’ll actually pay for a gas bottle exchange
The term 'refill' in the UK gas bottle market usually means exchanging your empty cylinder for a full, pre-filled one from the same supplier group. You do not get the same bottle back filled up. The prices below are for these gas exchanges, assuming you are returning an identical empty cylinder.
| Bottle Size & Type | Refill Price | Supplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kg Propane (Patio) | £23.25 | Calor Gas | Recommended Retail Price (RRP). |
| 5kg Propane (Gaslight) | £34.99 | Flogas (via BBQ Gas London) | Lightweight composite bottle. Free delivery in Greater London. |
| 6kg Propane | £32.00 | Calor Gas | RRP for standard red propane cylinder. |
| 11kg Propane (Patio) | £45.99 | Flogas (via BBQ Gas London) | For larger BBQs and patio heaters. Free delivery in Greater London. |
| 13kg Propane | £45.50 | Calor Gas | RRP for a popular size for caravans and mobile catering. |
| 13kg Propane | £53.00 | Calor (via Pleveys, Doncaster) | Example of regional variation on Calor RRP. |
| 47kg Propane | £89.99 | Flogas (via Gas Depot) | For commercial use and home heating. Free delivery in London. |
| 47kg Propane | £95.00 | Calor (via Pleveys, Doncaster) | For home heating and commercial use. |
The Cylinder Refill Agreement: what it is and why you need one
If you don't have an empty bottle to exchange, you cannot simply buy a full one. You must first pay for a Cylinder Refill Agreement (CRA) from the supplier, such as Calor or Flogas. This is a one-off charge that covers the cost and maintenance of the cylinder, which remains the property of the gas company. Once you have a CRA and a bottle, you only pay the refill price for subsequent exchanges.
CRA prices in May 2026 for Calor are:
- £49.99 for small bottles (e.g., 4.5kg Butane, 6kg Propane, 5kg Patio).
- £54.99 for 13kg Patio gas bottles.
- £69.99 for large propane bottles (e.g., 13kg, 19kg, 47kg).
You can exchange a cylinder for another size within the same exchange group without paying for a new CRA. However, swapping a small patio bottle for a large propane bottle would require a new agreement.
Four reasons why prices differ between suppliers
Supplier type: Prices at official brand websites like Calor's are often Recommended Retail Prices (RRPs), and actual prices may vary between local stockists. Independent retailers and larger chains like B&Q set their own prices.
Location: Delivery costs are a major factor. A supplier offering free delivery in a dense urban area like London may have a lower total cost than a supplier delivering to a remote rural location.
Bottle size: The price per kilogram of gas is significantly lower for larger cylinders. For example, the Calor 5kg patio gas at £23.25 works out to £4.65 per kg, while a 47kg bottle from a Doncaster supplier at £95.00 is just £2.02 per kg. Buying in bulk is more economical if you have the space and usage to justify it.
Gas type: Propane and butane are priced similarly, but their uses differ. Propane has a lower boiling point, making it suitable for outdoor use year-round, even in cold weather. Butane is more efficient but can struggle in colder temperatures, making it better for indoor portable heaters and summer camping.
How to find the cheapest refill near you
Check national supplier websites first. Start by looking at the RRPs on the Calor and Flogas websites. Use their online stockist locators to find official dealers near you, who you can then call to confirm their current prices.
Search for local independents. Use search terms like "propane refill near me" or "Calor gas stockist [your town]". Smaller, local suppliers can often be cheaper, especially when factoring in free local delivery.
Compare total cost. Always confirm if the quoted price includes VAT and delivery. Some suppliers, particularly those aimed at trade customers, may quote prices exclusive of VAT, which adds 20% to the final bill.
Consider exchange groups. If you already own a cylinder, ensure the supplier you choose will accept it for exchange. Most suppliers will only exchange their own branded bottles or those within a specific group.
Safety when handling and transporting gas bottles
Handling gas cylinders requires care. Always ensure the valve is closed before disconnecting the regulator. When transporting a cylinder in a vehicle, it must be secured in an upright position to prevent it from rolling around. Transport cylinders in an open vehicle or a well-ventilated van with a sealed bulkhead. For those carrying gas as part of their work, specific regulations regarding safety equipment, such as carrying a 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher, apply.
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