Liquefied Petroleum Gas is obtained during the refining process of crude oil. It is being burnt off in the flame stacks you sometimes still see at oil refineries and on oil rigs. It is also found in natural gas. It is estimated that there is currently a surplus of LPG of 4 million tonnes from the North Sea alone and this is set to increase.

In this country it is mainly comprised of propane. It is stored under pressure as a liquid.

Across the country it is currently available at prices ranging from 35 pence to 42 pence per litre. It may be possible for you to bunker your own fuel in which circumstances the price is around 22 pence per litre. For more information on bunkering fuel contact Calor Gas www.calor.co.uk

There are over four million cars worldwide now running on LPG.

LPG produces 75% less Carbon Monoxide
85% less Hydrocarbons
10% less Carbon Dioxide
40% less Nitrogen Oxide
87% less Ozone damage

There are over 1300 LPG filling stations in the UK www.lpga.co.uk

The government continues to show its support of LPG as the cleanest fuel available for motor vehicles. In the March 2004 budget the government has put into place a long term strategy for supporting LPG. For the next three years LPG retail prices will continue to be around half those of other fuels. Government grants continue to be available for cars and light commercial vehicles. The grant scheme is operated by Powershift, details are on their website www.powershift.org.uk or telephone them on 0845 602 1425