Propane shortage ?

What changes can we make to our lives to deal with the economic and energy crises ahead? Have you already started making preparations? Got tips to share?

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adam2
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Re: Propane shortage ?

Post by adam2 »

Shortage ongoing.
I have seen 15 kilo butane cylinders selling for as much as £50 !
I used nearly a whole 19 kilo propane cylinder for oxy-propane cutting plant, helping a neighbour cut up redundant steel work, and several large oxygen cylinders.
They promised to replace the propane, but could not find any and have given me a ton of logs instead.
"Installers and owners of emergency diesels must assume that they will have to run for a week or more"
anotherexlurker
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Joined: 07 Oct 2020, 17:34

Re: Propane shortage ?

Post by anotherexlurker »

Locally calor deliveries have continued to happen but are unpredictable.

Earlier in the week I did a 200 mile round trip to collect 2 full 15KG butane cylinders , it cost me more in fuel than it did for the cylinders , but the total cost was still slightly below £50 each . I decided that due to omricon calor deliveries are only likely to get more patchy, and should now have enough to last me through the winter.

There does seem to be quite a few cylinders available inside the M25 , but my old van is not compatible with the paper exercise required for inside the M25.
anotherexlurker
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Joined: 07 Oct 2020, 17:34

Re: Propane shortage ?

Post by anotherexlurker »

I had to run an errand for someone today and as one of my 15kg butane cylinders ran out last night I decided to get that swapped for a full one today ,
they had 3 15kg butane cylinder refills available, the price has increased to £40 , but is still very slightly cheaper than using an electric heater.

Using a butane gas heater as my main source of heat has created a rod for my own back as my 19 year old cat keeps demanding that it is on!!
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adam2
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Re: Propane shortage ?

Post by adam2 »

Regarding the specific case of the elderly cat, would a heated cat bed help ?
Or a low power infra red heater over the cat bed or basket ?

This may be achieved as follows, obtain a cheap halogen floodlight intended for a 500 watt linear halogen lamp. Connect the light to a 12 volt transformer and insert a 110 volt 500 watt halogen lamp. The lamp will glow a dull orange and produce a gentle radiant warmth.
"Installers and owners of emergency diesels must assume that they will have to run for a week or more"
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adam2
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Joined: 02 Jul 2007, 17:49
Location: North Somerset, twinned with Atlantis

Re: Propane shortage ?

Post by adam2 »

Propane is still/again in short supply.
I have four of the 19 kilo cylinders, which should suffice, though I have a desire for five.

I use very little propane normally, but keep a reserve for emergencies such as a long power outage.

Main living room is heated by a stove, but rest of the house is all electric.
Cooking is electric normally, with a portable propane cooker in reserve.
Lighting is mains electric normally, but propane in reserve.
"Installers and owners of emergency diesels must assume that they will have to run for a week or more"
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