Gas cylinders are an essential part of daily life in Ghana. They are used for cooking, heating, and powering various appliances. The importance of gas cylinders in Ghana cannot be overstated, as they provide a reliable and affordable energy source for many households. However, the price of gas cylinders is an essential factor to consider, as it can have a significant impact on the affordability and accessibility of this essential resource.
In this article, we will explore the prices of gas cylinders in Ghana and why they are essential. We will also provide an overview of the different types of gas cylinders available and their uses.
Price of Gas Cylinders in Ghana
Gas cylinders are pressure vessels used for the storage and containment of gases at above atmospheric pressure. Gas cylinders are used for various purposes such as cooking, heating, and powering various appliances in households and commercial establishments.
Gas cylinders can be made from a variety of materials, but there are four general classes: steel, aluminium, composite, and fibreglass. The most commonly used gas cylinders come in these measurements: height of 4-5 feet tall, weight of 75-80 pounds (empty), up to 270 pounds (filled), and pressure of 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi).
There are different types of gas cylinders available for gaseous substances such as nitrogen bottles, acetylene tanks, oxygen acetylene, argon tilers, and LPG gas cylinders. But for the purpose of this article, we will be looking at LPG Gas cylinders which come in metal, composite and fibre.
Difference Between Metal, Composite and Fibre LPG Gas Cylinders
LPG gas cylinders are widely used in Ghana for cooking, heating, and powering various appliances in households and commercial establishments. However, there are different types of LPG gas cylinders available, including metal, composite cylinders and fibre gas cylinders.
Composite cylinders are made up of a blow-moulded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) inner liner, covered with a composite layer of polymer-wrapped fibreglass and fitted with an HDPE outer jacket. These cylinders are widely used as alternatives to steel cylinders.
Also, fibre gas cylinders are made up of fibreglass and are much lighter and safer than metallic cylinders. They are designed with several safety measures and are corrosion-proof, UV-protected, and translucent in nature, which allows customers to see the amount of LPG in the cylinders.
Metal cooking gas cylinders are commonly used in households and commercial establishments for cooking and heating purposes.
Factors Affecting the Price of Gas Cylinders in Ghana
The price of gas cylinders in Ghana is affected by several factors, including:
Cost of production
The cost of producing gas cylinders, including the cost of raw materials, labour, and manufacturing processes, can affect the price of gas cylinders in Ghana. For instance, if the cost of raw materials increases, the price of gas cylinders may also increase.
Transportation costs
The cost of transporting gas cylinders from the manufacturer to the distributor and then to the retailer can also affect the price of gas cylinders in Ghana. For example, if transportation costs increase, the price of gas cylinders may also increase.
Taxes and tariffs
Taxes and tariffs imposed by the government can increase the price of gas cylinders in Ghana. For instance, if the government imposes higher taxes on gas cylinders, the price of gas cylinders may increase.
Exchange rates
The exchange rate between the Ghanaian cedi and other currencies can also affect the price of gas cylinders in Ghana, especially if the cylinders are imported. For example, if the exchange rate between the Ghanaian cedi and the US dollar changes, the price of imported gas cylinders may also change.
Current Price of Gas Cylinder in Ghana
Gas cylinder costs vary based on where they are purchased and who is selling them. Additionally, the cost of manufacturing, transportation, taxes and tariffs, as well as exchange rates, are all variables that may change over time and have an impact on gas cylinder pricing.
Due to variations in the factors mentioned earlier, gas cylinder prices in Ghana have changed throughout time. An empty 3 kg cylinder, for instance, cost US$21.59 on average in 2018, whereas an empty 12 to 15 kg cylinder cost US$31 on average. A new 6kg cylinder costs GHS 90 as of September 2023, which is more expensive than the cost to refill one, which ranges between GHS 30 and GHS 90.
Let’s have a look at some prices of the different types and sizes of Gas Cylinders in Ghana.
Metal Gas Cylinder Prices
The current price of metal gas cylinders are as follows;
3kg – GHS 200
6kg – GHS 230 – GHS 330
12kg – GHS 400
15kg – GHS 350 – GHS 480
45kg – GHS 1,600
Fibre Gas Cylinder Prices
The current prices of fibre or composite gas cylinders are as follows;
6kg – GHS 900 – GHS 1,150
9kg – GHS 1,250
12kg – GHS 1,000 – GHS 1,350
15kg – GHS 1,250 – GHS 1,500
20kg – GHS 1,800 – GHS 2,000
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In conclusion, gas cylinders are an essential part of daily life in Ghana, providing a reliable and affordable source of energy for many households and commercial establishments. The prices of gas cylinders in Ghana vary depending on the size, type, and condition of the cylinder, as well as the factors that affect the price of gas cylinders, such as the cost of production, transportation costs, taxes and tariffs, and exchange rates.
