What Is LPG

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is comprised of propane. Colourless, odourless and heavier than air, LPG is gaseous at normal pressures and temperatures. As a source of energy, LPG differs markedly from natural gas and electricity in that it can be easily stored and transported in purpose-built pressurised containers. When lightly compressed it becomes a liquid, and therein lies the benefit - one litre of liquid LPG is the equivalent of 270 litres of gas. Depending on the source and how it is used, the percentage composition of LPG can range from virtually 100% propane to 100% butane. LPG burns readily in air and has a high energy content making it an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and automotive use.

Whilst LPG and natural gas perform the same basic functions, LPG has a higher calorific value. This means it burns hotter than natural gas which provides increased efficiency in some cooking and heating applications.

There are two sources of LPG - natural gas processing and crude oil refining. In natural gas processing, gas is drawn directly from deep underground reservoirs as a mixture of gases and liquids, including LPG. In crude oil refining, about 3% of a barrel of crude oil is refined into LPG, although oil refineries are able to convert up to 40%.