Calor gas shortages affecting West Norfolk suppliers and caravan guests
Increased demand for Calor gas during 2020 has led to a shortage of cylinders which is continuing to be felt one year on.
The Covid-19 pandemic created record demand for Calor cylinders last year due to lockdown, warmer weather, and an increase in UK staycations.
And while new cylinders had been ordered in large quantities for this year, demand has continued to grow leading to shortages across West Norfolk.
Family-owned Economy Gas Services (EGS), established by Stephen Bacon in 1989, delivers bottled Calor gas six days a week.
A spokesperson from EGS said:"Everybody is ringing round for the 6kg bottles. There has been a refilling issue for the smaller bottles, 19kg and down. Calor have not been keeping us in the loop and we are not getting the turn around. We are getting them in but it is few and far between."
EGS delivers twice a week to King's Lynn, Hunstanton, Thornham, Brancaster, Burnham Market, Wells, Fakenham, Dereham, Swaffham, Downham Market, Northwold, Ely, March, Wisbech, Terrington St Clement, Long Sutton, Holbeach, Spalding and surrounding areas.
Guests arriving at Diglea Holiday Park, Snettisham, have also been affected by the shortage.
A spokesperson for the park said: "It is affecting us greatly as guests who are staying in caravans and tents come here expecting to be able to refill their new bottles. Economy Gas are having difficulty supplying us as Calor are not supplying them. We've had an order in for weeks.When it comes to the end of the season it will affect the seasonal tourers. It's hard to get anything lower than a 19kg bottle."
One caravan owner wrote on the Caravan and Motorhome club messageboard: "Bought a new Bailey Phoenix 440 and taking delivery next week. Dealer has no bottles due to national shortage at Calor. I'm a nearly-newbie, used to caravan 15 years ago, so I have no bottle. I have been trying without success to find a bottle......what a strange time we live in! So new caravan and no gas."
Calor Gas has confirmed the disruption to its supplies and the availability of cylinders.
An updated statement from Calor explains: "To our valued customers: we’re currently experiencing cylinder availability issues due to higher demand and restricted supply.
"We’re continuing to work tirelessly to deliver gas safely to homes and businesses across the UK despite the many challenges caused by Covid-19.
"We're still following key Covid protocols at Calor, to keep our colleagues and customers safe.
"There is the possibility that people in vital roles such as drivers and customer service agents may have to take time off work. We therefore apologise if you experience longer waiting times as a result."
