LPG
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is a form of fuel that can be used in various ways - most people know about this fuel in terms of the fact that is can be used as a fuel for vehicles. This is a natural fuel made from butane and propane gases. Many people nowadays are converting their cars to run on LPG as it is:
- Cheaper to buy - at the moment LPG costs are around half those given with standard petrol and diesel costs.
- More beneficial to the environment - it is thought that LPG gives off around 20% less carbon dioxide than standard petrol and that it had fewer adverse emissions than diesel.
- Able to help cars run more efficiently - most LPG drivers find that their car runs more smoothly and that engine noise is quieter with LPG.
- Safer to use - LPG is safer than petrol and around the same as diesel in safety terms.
- Subject to other cost savings - if your car qualifies when you convert it then the DVLA will give you a discount on your road tax and, if you live or travel into London, then you can also get discounts on congestion charges (again, if your car qualifies).
LPG is made either from natural gases or by the refinement of crude oil. It used to be simply viewed as a waste by-product but is now being used increasingly commonly as an alterative source of fuel. Unlike other fuels the stocks of LPG are not under threat. Apart from use in vehicles LPG can also be used for:
- Domestic and commercial heating purposes
- Commercial refinery/chemical purposes
- Air conditioning systems
- Hot water supplies
- Cooking and barbequing
- On agricultural and rural sites