In a context of energy volatility, knowing how much a butane gas cylinder costs is essential for organising household finances, as this fuel remains a key element for cooking and heating in many homes and hospitality businesses. Keeping up to date with the price of different energy sources also allows us to discover whether we are truly using the energy option that suits us best.

What is the price of a butane gas cylinder today?

A new update affecting the final price of a butane gas cylinder came into force on 17 March 2026. This revision was officially published in the Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) on 16 March.

Current price of the 12.5 kg domestic gas cylinder

When we talk about the 12.5 kg domestic cylinder, we are referring to the classic orange bottle seen in most Spanish homes.

Following this latest bimonthly review, the price of a butane cylinder has been set at €16.35. This represents a 77-cent increase compared to the previous review in January 2026, when the cost stood at €15.58.

This rise is close to the maximum limit permitted by current legislation. However, the amount remains below the all-time high of €19.55 recorded in May 2022.

What does that price include?

The price paid by the end consumer for a butane gas cylinder is not a random figure. It includes the cost of the raw material (propane and butane), transport or freight, and retail. Furthermore, this price incorporates concepts such as the contribution cost to the National Energy Efficiency Fund (FNEE) and, of course, the corresponding tax burden, which in the Spanish Peninsula and the Balearic Islands is 21% VAT, plus the hydrocarbon tax.

The price of the butane cylinder is regulated: what does this mean?

The fact that butane is a regulated market implies that the State intervenes in the price to avoid extreme fluctuations that could hit consumers in the pocket.

Reviews of the price of butane gas are indeed bimonthly and occur in the odd-numbered months of the year (January, March, May, July, September, and November).

Maximum set price: what is it and how is it published?

There is a legal limit that prevents the price from rising or falling by more than 5% in each review, which provides the consumer with a degree of stability and predictability in the face of external energy crises. On this occasion, the increase was 4.9%, touching the maximum permitted limit. 

Furthermore, suppliers cannot charge above what is stipulated in the current resolution.

Transparency is key throughout this process. The Directorate General for Energy Policy and Mines carries out the calculations and issues the relevant resolutions, which are published in the BOE, the only official source recommended for verifying the information.

Which cylinders fall outside the regulated scheme?

The 'light' cylinders offered by some companies may have deregulated prices and, therefore, be more expensive than the standard regulated ones. This happens because containers with a tare weight of less than 9 kg (except in very specific cases), as well as mixtures used as motor fuel, are excluded from this regulation. Bottled propane gas is also governed by different regulations.

How is the price of a butane gas cylinder calculated?

Calculating the price of a butane gas cylinder is a technical exercise that considers multiple global economic variables.

Components that influence the price

To determine the cost for this two-month period, parameters such as the international market price of the raw material in February and March, and the cost of freight or maritime transport, have been analysed. For example, in March 2026, the quotation for butane stood at $496.9/MT.

Another determining factor is the dollar/euro exchange rate, as raw materials are traded in dollars.How to access discounts from the App or the Website

Price before taxes and final price

According to the resolution, since 17 March, the maximum sale price before taxes has been set at 106.6362 cents/kg. The corresponding taxes must be added to this base to reach the €16.35 per cylinder that the user ultimately pays. Distinguishing between these values allows us, as consumers, to understand what part of the price corresponds to the product itself and what part is taxes.

Why the price visible to the consumer may be expressed in euros per bottle

Although the BOE publishes prices in euro cents per kilogram for greater technical precision, marketing materials and the price of a butane cylinder today are expressed per 12.5 kg bottle to make it easier for the end user to understand. Ultimately, the classic orange cylinder is recognisable as a unit of measurement that allows us to quickly understand and compare how much the price has risen compared to the previous month.

Why does the price of a butane gas cylinder go up or down?

Many citizens wonder why the butane cylinder goes up so sharply at certain times of the year. Here is the answer.

Distribution and supply costs

There is an entire logistics system designed to ensure that cylinders reach homes safely and efficiently. Retail costs include storage, filling the bottles, and transport to the point of sale or the home.

In the March 2026 review, this cost was set at 61.4430 cents/kg. If the price of fuel for delivery trucks goes up, this ends up putting upward pressure on the final price.

Energy context and inflation

Geopolitical conflicts and international crises have a direct impact. For example, energy crises stemming from armed conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and Iran, have caused fluctuations in recent years. Furthermore, general inflation affects all components of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) value chain.. 

Taxation and temporary measures

Political decisions on taxes also carry weight in the final price. Although there are fixed taxes like VAT, in times of crisis, the Government can apply temporary measures to cushion the increases, although these are not always permanent and their withdrawal can cause price spikes.

What is the difference between a butane cylinder and other gas options?

Butane stands out for its high calorific value, meaning it generates a lot of heat quickly. However, it requires the manual handling of cylinders and space to store them.

Conversely, natural gas arrives via pipes, guaranteeing a continuous supply and eliminating the need to keep an eye out for replacements or worry about whether the butane will freeze in very cold climates (which happens near 0°C).

How to switch from a butane cylinder to natural gas

Making the switch is a simple process that you can complete step by step:

1. Check if the natural gas distribution network reaches your area.

2. Once availability is confirmed, a technical installation in the home is required, which must be certified by professionals.

3. After this, all that remains is to choose the ideal gas tariff for you.

Comparing butane cylinders and natural gas

In the long term, natural gas is usually more economical and convenient for households with constant consumption. While the regulated price of butane is around €0.1048/kWh, Endesa's Conecta Gas tariff offers a price of €0.0597/kWh, with 100% online management and no exit fees. It's the ideal option for those who wish to optimise their gas consumption with a special price tariff for new customers.

If you are looking for real savings on your bills, the peace of mind of an uninterrupted supply, and want to forget about the bimonthly BOE reviews, Endesa's natural gas is an excellent alternative for you.