An average Nigerian household refills their gas cylinder monthly depending on factors such as household size, cooking habits, and the type of appliances used. The current most popular form of refilling gas in Nigeria is the decanting model which involves transferring gas from another cylinder, usually a bigger size, or tank to an empty cylinder using a hose. This method requires the removal of the cylinder valve and this increases the level of exposure to gas as customers are exposed to the fumes and risk inhaling the smell of gas.
The cylinder exchange, on the other hand, is a model that allows customers to get their gas refilled without exposure. In this model, filling is not carried out in the presence of the customer nor done around them. Customers simply bring in their empty existing or old cylinders and swap it for a cylinder that is pre-filled. Unlike decanting, where gas is transferred from larger cylinders to smaller ones, the cylinder exchange model ensures that customers receive pre-filled and sealed cylinders every time, without the need to wait on queues.
Differences Between Both Methods
- Refilling Process: The decanting method involves the manual transfer of gas from a larger cylinder or tank to smaller gas cylinders through a hose. If not well done or handled by trained personnel, it can result in underfilling or a gas leak. However, the cylinder exchange model does not involve any form of gas transfer. Under Better Gas, cylinders to be exchanged for empty ones are pre-filled and checked for leakages before they are sold to the customers at the Micro Distribution Centers.
- Speed: The decanting model takes more time compared to the cylinder exchange model. Under decanting, each cylinder needs to be filled individually which leads to customers standing in queues till it’s their turn. Whereas customers get gas faster as they do not have to wait in queues to get their gas refilled with cylinder exchange. They only drop their empty cylinders and pick up already filled cylinders of same size after payment. All this within five minutes.
- Credibility: With decanting, customers are not always assured of the quantity of the gas in their cylinders due to lack of integrity on the part of the gas station or local seller. The personnel filling the cylinders can cheat customers by underfilling their cylinders. However, the cylinder exchange model operated by Better Gas assures customers of the right quantity. Pre-filled cylinders go through the size accuracy test at the filling plant before distribution. Therefore, there are no shortages.
- Safety: Decanting requires specific equipment for it to be carried out, and if not well handled or safety measures are not strictly followed, accidents or leaks can happen during the transfer. Cylinder exchange is safer as fillings are not done at retail outlets and reduces the chances of a leak or accidents that can happen during refilling.
- Accessibility: With decanting, an entire neighborhood can depend on a local gas seller or a small gas filling station. The unavailability of this singular outlet at any time can be disappointing to the residents who need to fill their gas urgently. Better Gas, on the other hand, has micro distribution outlets located very close to residential areas to make it easy for residents to exchange their gas cylinders at any outlet closest to them. Customers are not stranded or dependent on one outlet and can be rest assured of getting gas when needed.
In summary, the cylinder exchange model is considered a better choice compared to the decanting model for its convenience, accessibility, speed, and safety than the decanting model. This model currently operated by Better Gas aims at making access to gas easier for Nigerians.