Gas products and services company Afrox has launched a pilot programme to deliver its range of Handigas liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to domestic consumers to fill a gap in the market, thereby expanding its direct contact with end-users.

Afrox LPG business development manager Gerhard van Wyk tells Engineering News that the service will be piloted in the Roodepoort magisterial area, in the West Rand of Gauteng, after which Afrox hopes to implement the service in most of the metropolitan areas, starting with the greater Gauteng, as well as areas in Durban and Cape Town.

LPG users can order products at www.afroxshop.co.za or through the Afrox call centre and receive next-day delivery – excluding weekends – and can also pay on delivery using a credit or debit card.

Van Wyk adds that customers can be assured of secure payment on delivery and emphasises that all client’s personal details will be safeguarded.

“The new door-to-door delivery service will not only enable customers to transact with Afrox online but also provide them with an effective service offer and easy access to an alternative energy source for heating, cooking and lighting – overcoming most of the inconvenience associated with load-shedding.”

Afrox will service the pilot area directly and gauge the success of the service before implementing it in other areas. The company plans to have the service operational in several selected areas by the end of the year.

Although most of Afrox’s products can be ordered online, the Handigas domestic door-to-door service will be limited to LPG of 9 kg, 14 kg, 19 kg and 48 kg cylinders during the pilot programme.

All cylinders will bear the Afrox red seal, which indicates that they have been filled correctly and will be transported in line with the legal requirements regarding the safe transportation of flammable products. Afrox representatives will inform clients about product handling safety procedures on delivery.

“This initiative enables consumers to place online orders at any time during the day or night, in the comfort of their own home. With winter approaching and power supply remaining vulnerable, the process of ordering, payment and delivery can be completed within 24 hours to ensure minimal disruptions at home,” states Van Wyk.

Should customers encounter any challenges or delays, Afrox’s customer support team can be contacted online and telephonically, and service agents will be in regular contact with customers.