New Customer Information
What is your current pricing?
Our online-only pricing and rental options are exclusively available online and are updated live on the new customer signup page. After we review your request, a quote will be emailed to you, and delivery will be scheduled once payment is received via credit or debit card.
How do I switch from another supplier?
You may request a quote for one cylinder at a time. When your existing cylinder is empty, simply reach out to us by phone or email to "increase your holdings." Keep in mind that online orders are limited to cylinder swaps only, and additional cylinders must be arranged through direct contact. Alternatively, you can opt to order two cylinders at once (which we recommend), but please note that we cannot leave any unattached cylinders on your property, so any extras will need to be collected.
Can you collect another companies cylinders while delivering yours and return them for me?
Yes, and we will return them on your behalf. Generally any unconnected cylinders will be collected unless otherwise specified.
How does home gas (LPG) work?
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It refers to gases that are stored as liquids under pressure and convert back into a flammable gas when that pressure is released. In Australia, almost all non-automotive LPG is propane. Automotive LPG is typically a propaneābutane blend and is not suitable for most domestic applications.
When your LPG cooktop or hot water system calls for gas, the regulator allows a drop in pressure inside the cylinder. This causes the liquid propane to boil and turn into vapour. The process, known as vaporisation, is endothermic meaning it absorbs heat from the metal cylinder.
It is this vapour that safely fuels your appliances.
What type and how many LPG cylinders do I need?
The vast majority of homes have two 45kg cylinders.
We recommend all customers using hot water to have two 45kg cylinders. This way as soon as one cylinder is empty, an order can be made for a replacement with the second cylinder still in use. This will give you an uninterrupted supply.
What equipment do I need on my residence for LPG?
An LPG regulator, pigtails and a NSW compliance plate.
Is there any issue with delivery/LPG Supply/other etc?
No. Propane is a byproduct of oil and natural gas refining. As an independent supplier, we are able to source LPG from any refinery in Australia, giving us complete control over our very robust supply chain. There are practically never any issues with LPG supply. Occasionally deliveries need to be rescheduled due to weather etc but you will always be informed and delivery tracking links are updated automatically.
What is the cylinder rental fee?
This fee is for the rental of gas cylinders. The price of the cylinder swap only pays for the gas itself. The cylinders themselves have a substantial dollar value (between $150-$200,000+ depending on the size of tank or cylinder we have provided). This fee covers periodic retesting, repair, maintenance, and new cylinder acquisition. This concept is similar to the standing charges levied by some Telephone, Electricity and natural gas companies.
We maintain ownership and responsibility and as such, are responsible for maintenance and compliance regulations. Damaged cylinders are normally replaced at no charge to customers.
How often is rental charged?
Yearly for domestic customers, monthly for commercial unless otherwise specified. Rental invoices will have a text description above the footer informing you of what dates the rental covers.
When was I informed about the rental?
If you are a brand new customer, it will be on your very first invoice. If you have taken over an account from someone else, it will be on the anniversary of their rental as they will have paid it up to a certain date. If you set up an account online, you will have had to see the red warning when buying a cylinder noting that a subscription is required for purchase.
Do all cylinders have rental?
Yes, unless they are customer owned. Customer owned cylinders have different stamping on them and will have testing certificates. The only self owned cylinders available currently are large tanks, 15KG ALU and 18KG.
Are cylinders able to be bought?
Some types cylinders and tanks are able to be purchased, but we are unable to deliver customer owned swap cylinders. Refill only (insitu) cylinders (90kg, 210kg) can be delivered upon request. Tanks are available to be delivered, installed, tested as a site allows. We currently offer a small 18kg (about double the size of a BBQ cylinder) cylinders for sale but must be picked up from the depot in a suitable vehicle. Aluminium forklift cylinders are also available for both hire and sale.
Why do I have multiple subscriptions?
A customer can have multiple subscriptions under the following circumstances:
ā¢ Multiple delivery sites
ā¢ Multiple subscription types
ā¢ Cylinders at different times of the year
Cylinders and Tanks
What is the difference between āinsituā cylinders, āswapā cylinders and tanks?
In-situ or refill cylinders are set in place and filled by tanker. These cylinders are typically more expensive than swap cylinders but allow for more gas to be stored.
Swap cylinders are literally swapped during each delivery and are the standard for domestic use.
Tanks are permanent in place installations for bulk filling. Tanks range in size from 500L and above, and can be above ground, below ground or semi-submerged. The standard size tank for most industrial applications is 7.5KL.
See the size table below for more information.
Can you retest/restamp my BBQ cylinder
Unfortunately no, we only offer this service for larger permanent tanks.
Remote Monitoring
Is remote monitoring of LPG Cylinder contents available?
Remote monitors are currently available for some types of in-situ cylinders (90kg, 210kg) and larger tanks. It requires a R3D gauge type. Remote monitoring comes with additional fees and requires a decent 3G/4G signal.
Most commercial customers will already have a unit attached to their cylinder bank. The unit lets us know when to schedule the tanker for their site.
The remote monitoring unit connects to a 3G/4G network allowing for remote access to cylinder contents gauge.
Is the monitor available for home domestic swap cylinder use?
This is currently in testing but is not available yet. We not require any trial applicants at this stage.
As 45kg swap cylinders are too narrow to attach a float gauge inside the cylinder, a special automatic regulator is used that connects to a remote monitoring unit, allowing us to see when one cylinder empties and the other is put into active service. A delivery is then scheduled.
There is no current timeframe when this will be available to the public.
Independence and other gases
What does it mean to be an āIndependent LPGā supplier?
Since early 2020 we do not buy LPG or LPG cylinders through any major gas company; instead we are able to buy direct. This is unusual in our industry. We are one of three remaining independent LPG providers in NSW.
Are you able to provide other gases?
Not as an independent, but we are a BOC agent and we can supply medical, industrial and hospitality gas through them.
Are you 100% Shoalhaven owned and run?
Yes, we are the only 100% Shoalhaven owned and run LPG supplier.
Online ordering
Do I need separate login details for blackcatgas.com or tarrrantsgas.com?
No. Login details are the same.
Can Commercial customers order via the portal?
Yes, they can.
How do I get access to the online portal?
Please request access via email or phone.
What else can I do on the portal?
You can view subscriptions, sales orders/quotations, invoices and delivery dockets.
Are there any tutorials available for online ordering?
Yes, we have a tutorial section on the portal. See the link below.
Can I order BOC/other non Black Cat gas online?
Yes, some BOC gas is available online. Note that pricing is not available online for BOC gases - they are billed via BOC's ordering system. Customers must have an active, up to date BOC account and be present for deliveries. Customers not swapping a cylinder must supply their account number.
Moving/Closing Accounts
I'm moving house. Are you able to move Black Cat cylinders to my new home?
Yes we are happy to do so. Please do not move cylinders yourself, let us do it. Please email us the details of where you moving to/from and the date of the move.
Can I transfer cylinders from my account to a new account for new owners/tenants?
Yes, but we require the new owners to contact us directly. Please email us.
I need to close my account. How do I do that?
Please email us the date you are moving out. Note that account closures automatically require us to collect cylinders on site.