An individual has been arrested by the National Police in the town of Elche, Alicante, on suspicion of engaging in fraudulent activities. An octogenarian woman had been sold a niche in the town’s historic cemetery in exchange for 1,500 euros. A niche is a small, above-ground space or recess, often within a cemetery wall or structure, where a coffin or urn is placed for burial or storage. As per the municipal registry, the victim was not the owner at the cemetery at the time she attempted to execute the change of ownership.

The investigation commenced following a complaint lodged by an 80-year-old woman from Elche. She met a man through her life insurance broker who offered to lease a niche in the old Elche cemetery for 1,500 euros.

Consequently, the victim met this individual at the same cemetery that housed the requested niche. There, the victim and the man concluded the transfer of the niche and executed a private contract that was signed by both parties, rendering the transfer effective.

The grantor of the niche transferred the deed and other ownership documents associated with it to the victim after the victim paid the agreed-upon amount.

The victim, shortly thereafter, visited the municipal registry of the city to change the ownership. She was told the change was impossible because the person who gave her the property wasn’t the owner.

The officer who assisted the victim, however, attempted to mediate through a phone contact, despite this. She reported the incident to the National Police after the transferor hung up and ceased answering calls from both the officer and the victim after she explained the case to him.

After conducting the necessary investigations, the officers responsible for the case located and apprehended the suspect for the alleged fraud.

The investigation has been assigned to the Road Safety Investigation Unit of the Benidorm Armed Forces. The driver was subjected to alcohol and substance tests by members of the group, and the area was inspected to collect evidence that would help to resolve the tragic accident that claimed the lives of a family. The driver was apprehended subsequent to preliminary investigations.

According to the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium and the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU), an accident between two vehicles on Avenida Algoda in Elche resulted in the injuries of five individuals: a 30-year-old man, a 19-year-old man, and three minors aged 16 on Saturday, April 19th.

A SAMU unit, an SVB, a conventional ambulance or public transport unit, a command headquarters unit (UMJ), a heavy urban fire department (BUP), a rescue van (FSV), a sergeant, a corporal, and six firefighters from the Elche fire station were dispatched to the scene upon the receipt of the call at approximately 11:35 p.m.

The driver of one of the vehicles was successfully extricated by firefighters (see above.) All of the injured sustained injuries and were transported to the General Hospital in Elche and the Vinalopó Hospital in Elche.

The orange butane gas cylinder has been a symbol of Spanish residences for decades. Several generations have collectively imagined its distinctive colour and shape, a fixture in kitchens, bathrooms, and terraces. Nevertheless, the manner in which we consume energy is subject to change as well. This classic appears to be on the brink of extinction in the face of technological advancements and the movement towards a more sustainable energy transition.

Repsol and Cepsa, two of the largest companies in the world, have made strides in 2025 by introducing more efficient, lightweight, and modern alternatives. These new cylinders incorporate technological advancements to improve product control and traceability. Furthermore, the expansion of alternative energy sources, including natural gas, induction charging, and heat pumps, is progressively relegating butane to a secondary position.

The new butane cylinder that is here to stay

Repsol has spearheaded the market transformation with an intriguing proposal: a butane cylinder that is lighter than the traditional cylinder, with a capacity of 12 kg and a total weight of only 17 kg, as opposed to the traditional cylinder’s 25 kg. This new version is more convenient to transport and use on a daily basis due to its use of lighter materials and high-strength steel.

Additionally, users can monitor the container’s status and consumption in greater detail thanks to its NFC chip. The retail price of this cylinder varies between €20 and €24, depending upon the point of sale, which can be found at petrol stations or online.

Cepsa has not been neglected. The company has selected a line of cylinders that are lighter and more manageable. The 12.5 kg model, which is similar in capacity to the traditional model, is sold on the open market at prices varying from €17.67 to €20.94 and has a lower total weight (18 kg).

This alternative is particularly appealing to home consumers who continue to depend on butane for cooking or heating water, as it provides a satisfactory balance of functionality and user-friendliness. Notable products designed for outdoor living and leisure are the Campingaz 901 and 902 petrol cylinders.

The conventional butane gas cylinder, despite its continued presence in millions of households, appears to have commenced its journey towards its definitive extinction. Companies such as Repsol and Cepsa’s dedication to containers that are lighter, more manageable, and more sustainable is indicative of not only a commercial necessity but also an adaptation to the evolving era. Our society is transitioning to a more environmentally benign energy model that emphasises rational and efficient resource utilisation.

Additionally, state regulation is exerting a significant influence. The government establishes prices for certain cylinders, including the regulated 12.5 kg cylinder (currently priced at €17.67), which provides some level of consumer protection. Nevertheless, the emergence of new options that make a significant difference is being driven by competition and innovation in the free market.

However, the development of butane does not exclusively determine the future. Propane gas stands out as a powerful alternative, particularly in cold regions where butane gasification poses challenges. Propane is available in regulated 11 kg containers (priced at €14.65) and larger 35 kg containers, which are intended for high-volume industrial or domestic consumption, with prices commencing at €70. These containers are designed to provide a more effective response to low temperatures.

Although we cannot definitively declare the renowned orange butane gas cylinder extinct, it is gradually disappearing from the Spanish energy landscape. More sustainable and efficient foundations, tailored to a more comfortable lifestyle, establish the future.

Alternative sources of energy

In contrast to conventional butane gas cylinders, new energy alternatives exhibit distinctions that surpass mere weight or price. The evolution of energy consumption in Spanish homes is indicative of a more profound transformation: a change in consumer mindsets, routines, and our understanding of sustainability and efficiency.

Although butane remains a pertinent energy source in numerous rural areas and second residences, it is losing ground to more contemporary alternatives. Electric induction cooktops have become the norm for cooking in newly constructed residences, particularly in urban areas. They are safe, easy to clean, and faster than traditional gas, making them attractive for both families and people who live alone or have little time to cook.

Another development that is acquiring momentum is the heat pump. This system, capable of providing heating in winter and cooling in summer, consumes less energy than traditional methods and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, some models can also heat domestic water, making them a comprehensive solution for the home. In this context, the classic orange gas cylinder is starting to seem like a thing of the past.