Markets and trading

Reselling LPG gas cylinders and paraffin

Sell refilled LPG cooking-gas cylinders and paraffin to neighbours, buying from a licensed distributor and storing them safely.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR2 000 to R10 000
First randabout 4 weeks
WhereIn person
Effort Some skill needed

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Careful, reliable people with a safe, ventilated storage space and transport to collect stock.

In South Africa: Strong in townships and rural areas.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 6 hours a week · age 18+

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R2 000 to R10 000
Every month: Gas and paraffin stock, cylinder deposits, transport, safety equipment.
Payment fees: Cash, EFT or QR.
Margin: Thin per unit, so steady volume matters.

How it is paid: Margin per cylinder refill or litre of paraffin. Our viability score for it: 55 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Ask 20 households how they cook and where they buy gas now
- Visit the fire department or ask your distributor about storage rules
- Success signal: 15 regular customers in your first month
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- Find a licensed LPG distributor and ask about reseller terms and cylinder deposits
- Check your storage area against the distributor's safety guidance
- Buy a fire extinguisher and put up no-smoking signs
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Start with a small stock of the most common cylinder size
- Keep a record of sales and empties returned
- Offer delivery to regular customers
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Add paraffin only if you can store it safely and sell it in proper containers
- Supply one or two spaza shops

Setting up a distributor account and safe storage comes first. First income usually takes 14 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Reselling LPG gas cylinders and paraffin: your step-by-step start

19 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Households cooking with gas or paraffin, especially during power cuts.

Cooking fuel close to home without a trip to town.

Is there demand?

Selling pre-filled cylinders bought from a licensed distributor generally needs no petroleum licence, but storage must meet SANS 10087 and local fire rules; buying or selling 1,500 litres or more in one deal needs a wholesale licence. Margins are not published, so we do not quote one.

Selling from homeSupplying spaza shopsDelivery to regular customers

Getting customers

Word of mouth and a sign at your gate; WhatsApp for orders and deliveries.

Word of mouth and referralsResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Fire and explosion: store cylinders upright, outdoors or in a ventilated space away from flames and electrics
Never fill or decant gas yourself
Paraffin poisoning: never sell it in cool drink bottles

Competition: Moderate: depends on how far the nearest seller is.

Room to grow: Grows with delivery and supplying shops.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Buy only from a licensed distributor and never refill cylinders.
Store according to SANS 10087 and your local fire department's rules.
Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start reselling LPG gas cylinders and paraffin in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R2 000 to R10 000. Recurring costs: Gas and paraffin stock, cylinder deposits, transport, safety equipment.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 14 and 90 days. Setting up a distributor account and safe storage comes first.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Buy only from a licensed distributor and never refill cylinders. Store according to SANS 10087 and your local fire department's rules. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Insika: LPG licence and SANS 10087 compliance (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
DMRE: guidelines for petroleum products wholesale licences (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
SARS: how do I register for tax (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)

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