What is LPG ?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a by-product of the petroleum-refining industry and in the UK the definition covers both commercial propane and commercial butane. When put under a relatively low pressure, these gases turn to liquid and can then be stored easily in a variety of tanks. This is in contrast to other road-fuel gases like CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), which either have to be cooled to extremely low temperatures (LNG) or put under very high pressures (CNG) to be stored.

Tanks fall into two main categories - doughnut-shaped (toroidal) or cylindrical. Doughnut tanks are designed to fit into the spare-wheel well whereas cylindrical tanks tend to be fitted in the boot cavity. Both can, however, be fitted under the vehicle if ground-clearance is sufficient.

LPG is a simpler, cleaner hydrocarbon fuel than either petrol or diesel and when a vehicle is correctly converted, it will produce fewer emissions. This is why the Government has consistently set a much lower duty level for LPG. It is important, however, to use a reputable installer, as the “cowboys” tend to fit cheaper systems with no regard to the emissions. This is not only potentially hazardous for your vehicle but is also bad for the environment and could endanger the preferential duty level.