The price of the butane cylinder does not stop rising. The cost will rise to 16.67 euros from this Tuesday, March 19, the third consecutive increase, according to the price update announced today in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The regulated cost is updated every two months and sets the maximum price of the butane cylinder most used in homes, the 12.5 kilo, and other references from 8 to 20 kilos.
When updating the price, several factors are taken into account that determine whether there is an increase or decrease. In this review, the increase is due to the high increase in the price of raw materials (4.88%), although it has not been higher thanks to the sharp drop in freight costs (-47%). The exchange rate with the dollar, another factor that is taken into account, has been maintained.
The price revision is capped at 5% upward or downward, with the excess or price reduction that exceeds it being accumulated for subsequent revisions.
Compared to the January price, the increase is about 87 cents, although it is 12 cents below the price set a year ago, in March 2023. Be that as it may, the increase in price will be another reason for pressure for consumers, who saw some respite in the rise in inflation on the energy side.
The coldest months of the year are behind us and its use for heating declines, but domestic use for cooking or hot water cannot be avoided. The regulated price marks the maximum that can be charged for the bottle, although at the beginning of the year illegal charges have been uncovered in deliveries that have put consumers and companies on alert.
Bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbons, mainly composed of butane, that serves as an alternative to natural gas for energy consumption, especially in towns or urban centers without connection to the natural gas network. When choosing one option or another, factors such as the use made, the weather or the availability of alternatives must be taken into account.
The gas price crisis after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine took prices to maximums, reaching close to 20 euros in much of 2022, forcing the maximum price to be limited by law to 19.55 euros. This limit applies until June 30, 2024 at least. Today it is 15% below those prices.
