Govt fuels a change: LPG use allowed for four-wheelers

MUMBAI, November 27: The Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas has taken a policy decision to allow the use of Liquefied Petroleum Ga...

MUMBAI, November 27: The Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas has taken a policy decision to allow the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as automotive fuel for four wheelers after considering the superiority of LPG over other fuels in terms of cost and reduction in pollution by vehicular emissions.

“The concerned departments and agencies are in the process of making necessary amendments to the existing legislations and control orders to enable the use of LPG as automotive fuel. These amendments will are expected to be completed within next two months,” a senior official told The Indian Express.

Along with the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, the Gas Cylinder Rules of 1981 as well as LPG (Supply and Distribution) Order of 1993 will also have to be amended to enable usage of LPG as automotive fuel and to make vehicle engine compatible to use of LPG.

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“LPG is one of the most versatile and pollution free fuel and can be conveniently stored, transported and handled to cater to wide geographical areas unlike Compressed Natural Gas facilities, which require heavy infrastructure in terms of pipelines and compressors,” the official said.

Replying to a question, the official said the major challenge before petroleum companies will be setting up Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS). Based on the safety distances required for facilities at the ALDS finalised by the Chief Controller of Explosives, the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has chalked out a layout for Mumbai.

Although, technically it would be feasible to set up LPG facilities in the existing retail outlets in line with CNG facilities currently in operation in some of the retail outlets, due to longer safety distances required in case of LPG and with limited space at retail outlets, it would be necessary to consider independent LPG filling stations.

Referring to the conversion kits to be used on vehicles for running on LPG as fuel, the official said they have to be tested by leading agencies like Automotive Research Association of India, Pune.

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