Competition is also taking hold in gas. Mana Gaz and its red bottles are arriving on the market, determined to compete with Gaz de Tahiti. But for the moment, only on Tahiti. He attacks the historic operator on prices, but also on its packaging, by offering lighter and more practical canisters.
It arrives on the highly regulated gas market where prices are regulated – 248 Fcfp maximum per kilo of butane: Mana Gaz, the latest addition to the Moux family. 30 years after selling his shares in Polygaz, Albert Moux is giving this new subsidiary of the group a taste of revenge, presented during a meticulous show at the foot of the Hitia’a tanks, this Friday, October 18.
It is difficult to know how many direct jobs have been created: “ 6 jobs » according to Albert Moux, “ about twenty », According to Patrick Moux. WhateverIn any case, 40,000 red bottles have already been received. and 60,000 arrive » warns Patrick Moux. On average, the price of a kilo of butane is almost 17% cheaper than the historic operator.
Mana Gaz also offers free delivery, deposit and a cheaper regulator. The 12 kg bottle, the most common in homes, costs 5,000 Fcfp with deposit, compared to 6,224 Fcfp at Gaz de Tahiti. Delivery and tanks will be free for professionals, from the beginning of 2025.
“We have brought a revolution in the bottles, in the operating system and above all lower prices and even lower prices for professionals who unfortunately paid a little too much for their gas compared to what it is really worth.”
Patrick Moux – general manager of Mana Gaz
For its part, Gaz de Tahiti, established since 1964, simply expresses doubts about the solidity of these composite bottles, “ incompatible with inter-island transport,” according to Georges Siu, CEO of Gaz de Tahiti. He also points out the absence of a treatment sector for this material. The company itself has around fifty “mama” composite bottles stored and waiting for a second life, while the steel bottles go to New Zealand to be crushed and recycled.
For now, the historic operator is highlighting its experience in the sector and minimizing the price effect.
“I will remain very attentive in any case to this aspect of things. We at Gaz de Tahiti, we have a value chain made up of people who are responsible for the implementation of a gas bottle and who arrive at the user’s home safely.”
Georges Siu – CEO Gas de Tahiti
For the moment, Mana Gaz will only be distributed in Tahiti, except in Mobil stations which belong to the same group as Gaz de Tahiti.
