AutoGas, or AutoLPG, is a clean, eco-friendly, and high-octane fuel derived from natural gas through fractionation or from crude oil through refining. It primarily consists of propane and butane, making it an energy-efficient alternative to conventional fuels. AutoGas produces approximately 10% less CO2 emissions than petrol (MS), making it an environmentally friendly choice. At atmospheric pressure and normal temperatures, AutoGas exists as a gas, but it can be easily liquefied under moderate pressure or reduced temperatures. This property allows for compact storage and transportation, as the liquid form occupies about 1/250th of its gaseous volume. Its versatility and ease of handling make it ideal for various applications.
In India, using LPG as an automotive fuel became legal on April 24, 2000, provided it complies with prescribed safety standards. However, using domestic LPG cylinders in vehicles remains illegal and unsafe.
AutoGas offers significant environmental benefits, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other fossil fuels over the entire fuel cycle. Switching from petrol to AutoGas can greatly reduce air pollution from vehicle emissions. Additionally, converting to AutoGas can save consumers 35-40% on fuel costs, along with the convenience of low refuelling times, making it an attractive choice for drivers.
Auto LPG Safety: Auto LPG, also known as Autogas, is the most widely used alternative fuel for road transport, powering over 27 million vehicles globally. Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, Auto LPG is also recognised as one of the safest automotive fuels available today.
Why is Auto LPG Safe?While its environmental and cost advantages are well-known, it is equally important to highlight the exceptional safety record of Auto LPG. Compared to traditional fuels like gasoline, Auto LPG-powered vehicles have demonstrated superior safety, owing to:
The Auto LPG industry adheres to strict standards for the design, manufacturing, and installation of components, which are regularly updated to align with technological advancements.
Global efforts, such as initiatives by the UN/Economic Commission for Europe and the LP Gas industry, are harmonizing safety regulations to ensure consistent standards worldwide.
Auto LPG tanks, made from durable materials like composite and carbon steel, are 20 times more puncture-resistant than conventional fuel tanks.
Rigorous crash tests show these tanks outperform gasoline, methanol, and ethanol tanks in terms of impact resistance.
Modern fuel systems include pressure regulators, safety valves, and onboard gas detectors.
Automatic shut-off valves prevent gas flow in case of a ruptured fuel line.
Tanks are equipped with devices that limit filling to 80% capacity, allowing for temperature-induced volume changes without leaks.
In serious accidents, the tank’s pressure relief valve prevents ruptures, mitigating further damage.
Inherent Safety Features of Auto LPG
Auto LPG has the lowest flammability range among alternative fuels and a higher auto-ignition temperature compared to gasoline.
Fitted valves ensure no fuel exposure during transfer, preventing spills and evaporation.
Auto LPG does not contaminate soil or water, making it environmentally safe for widespread use.
Addressing Safety Concerns: Concerns about Auto LPG safety often stem from unfamiliarity with gaseous fuels rather than factual evidence. Although Auto LPG is flammable, just like other fuels, the industry has implemented rigorous safety measures and technologies to ensure its secure use.
Conclusion: Auto LPG is not only an environmentally friendly and economical alternative fuel but also an inherently safe choice for road transport. Its proven safety, combined with its operational and environmental benefits, makes it an essential component of any strategy to promote cleaner, alternative fuels for a sustainable future.
Converting Your Vehicle: All Spark ignition/Petrol vehicles can be converted to run on PrimeFuel and the cost is usually recovered within two years. The conversion kit and installation should be of approved make. Key safety features of a conversion include systems that automatically shut off the LPG tank when the ignition is turned off. All Auto LPG tanks are rigorously tested and designed to withstand high impact and extreme temperatures. In fact, LPG tanks can survive far greater impact than diesel or petrol tanks.
Auto LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a clean, efficient, and economical alternative to traditional fuels like petrol, primarily used in vehicles. With increasing concerns about environmental pollution, fluctuating fuel prices, and the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions, Auto LPG has gained significant traction globally. PrimeFuel, a leading name in fuel dispensing technology and infrastructure, plays a pivotal role in enabling this shift by providing robust and efficient Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS).
A logo of a gas company
Description automatically generatedPrimeFuel presents here the World's leading and most popular automotive fuel Auto LPG, in its purest form backed by a company that sources and delivers it, and brings to you warm services at its dispensing stations. PrimeFuel gives optimum mileage with driving pleasure for every refill at an economical price under the A logo with blue and green flame and text
Description automatically generated prime fuel brand.
The World over Auto LPG has been used in vehicles safely for years. PrimeFuel is committed to quality and quantity; safety is integrated at every stage, from sourcing to delivery for our customers. PrimeFuel Auto LPG conforms to IS: 14861 standards.
Auto LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a clean, efficient, and economical alternative to traditional fuels like petrol, primarily used in vehicles. With increasing concerns about environmental pollution, fluctuating fuel prices, and the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions, Auto LPG has gained significant traction globally. PrimeFuel, a leading name in fuel dispensing technology and infrastructure, plays a pivotal role in enabling this shift by providing robust and efficient Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS).
With high conventional fuel prices, adulteration and pollution, the entire world is discovering the use of alternatives, which are clean fuels instead of conventional fuel, with less possibility of adulteration and cheaper. In India, CNG and Auto LPG are the two gas-based alternatives to petrol, and they are very popular, whereas the infrastructure available for CNG is very limited and available to selective cities only. Globally, Auto LPG is normally preferred over CNG because of several benefits mainly, Auto LPG vehicles can run three times the distance on a full tank, require less maintenance, are safer because of lower tank pressure, and the conversion kits cost 50-70% less.
PrimeFuel’s Role in Shaping the Future: PrimeFuel’s innovative solutions for Auto LPG Dispensing Stations stand out due to their focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Key offerings include:
Leveraging IoT-enabled devices for real-time monitoring and management.
Modular designs that allow easy expansion of stations to meet growing demand.
ompliance with global emission standards to support sustainable development. With a strong presence in India and abroad, PrimeFuel is well-positioned to lead the transition towards clean and affordable transportation fuels.
AXIOM Gas Engineering Limited has taken an important role in the development of a wide retail network of Auto LPG stations in In
PrimeFuel benefits its customers:
India: Growing Adoption of Auto LPGIndia, one of the world's largest consumers of energy, is gradually shifting towards cleaner fuel options like Auto LPG and CNG. The Indian government has been promoting alternative fuels through initiatives like the National Policy on Biofuels (2018) and by tightening vehicular emission norms (BS-VI standards).
Cost-Effective: Auto LPG costs significantly less than petrol and diesel with lesser capital investment for the setup and conversion of vehicle.
Environmental Benefits:It reduces carbon monoxide emissions by up to 80% and particulate matter by up to 98% compared to conventional fuels.
Widespread Availability<India's LPG distribution network is one of the largest globally, which facilitates easy expansion of Auto LPG stations.
Increasing Prices of other alternatives like CNG:Overall global demand and price of LNG increased significantly due to the adoption of Natural gas instead of LPG by developed countries in Europe for industrial, commercial and domestic applications.
Limited infrastructure for Auto LPG refuelling in certain regions.
Competition with other clean fuels like CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and electric vehicles (EVs).
Lack of consumer awareness about the benefits of Auto LPG
International Scenario: Auto LPG as a Global Alternative Auto LPG has a robust presence in countries like South Korea, Turkey, and Poland, which have well-established infrastructure and policies promoting its adoption.
The world's largest Auto LPG market, driven by government policies that favor clean energy adoption.
Several countries incentivize Auto LPG usage due to its compliance with the EU's stringent emission norms.
Countries in Africa, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia are exploring Auto LPG to tackle air pollution and reduce dependence on imported oil.
PrimeFuel is a recognised name for providing state-of-the-art Auto LPG dispensing systems, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. The company's technology aligns with international standards and offers scalability, making it a preferred choice for global fuel providers.
Auto LPG stands out as one of the most practical and effective solutions for addressing urban air pollution in India. It offers a cleaner, more viable alternative to other fuels—both current and futuristic—that may take years to implement or remain impractical altogether.
While all alternative fuels contribute to cleaner air, their adoption should be evaluated based on feasibility, ease of implementation, and well-to-wheel emissions. Despite recent government focus on CNG and electric vehicles, there are key concerns regarding their effectiveness:
CNG
Electric Vehicles
Immediate Impact on Urban Air Quality
Global Supply Security
Proven Global Usage
Economic Advantages
Ease of Infrastructure Development
Conclusion: Auto LPG is a highly viable, economical, and environmentally friendly fuel that can make an immediate impact on urban air quality. With established infrastructure, abundant supply, and proven global usage, Auto LPG is the most compelling alternative fuel for India—far surpassing other “futuristic” options in terms of practicality and implementation
Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Auto Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Auto LPG) for automotive use, analysing parameters such as performance, global scenario, capital investment, and other key factors while emphasizing Auto LPG’s advantages:
Fuel Composition and Characteristics
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Composition | Mixture of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀). | Mainly methane (CH₄), a natural gas. |
Energy Density | Higher energy density than CNG, providing more driving range on a single fuelling. | Low energy density per volume, requiring larger tanks with much higher in weight to handle high pressure storage. |
State | Stored as a liquid under moderate pressure (5-10 bar). | Stored as a gas under high pressure (200-250 bar). |
Advantage:Auto LPG has a higher energy density, translating to greater range and less frequent refuelling.
Global Availability and Infrastructure
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Global Adoption | Widely adopted in Europe, South Korea, and Australia. | Widely used in countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, and Argentina. |
Infrastructure | Easier to distribute using cylinders or tanker trucks. | Requires expensive pipelines and compression stations. |
Supply Chain | Derived from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, making it globally flexible. | Relies heavily on proximity to natural gas reserves. |
Advantage:Auto LPG is easier to distribute and is available in over 80 countries, especially in regions lacking robust natural gas infrastructure.
Capital Investment for Vehicle customer
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Vehicle Conversion Cost | Lower conversion cost due to simpler storage and handling. | Higher due to the need for high-pressure tanks and specialized components. |
Refuelling Stations | Cheaper to establish due to lower-pressure requirements. | Expensive to set up because of high-pressure storage and compression systems. |
Advantage:Auto LPG requires significantly lower investment for infrastructure and vehicle conversion.
Capital Investment for Importers
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Import terminal capital investment | The capital cost of building an LNG import terminal is generally higher than the cost of building an LPG import terminal. Rs 600 crore–Rs 650 crore | $500 million–$600 million |
Logistics cost of LNG (Capital investment | Due to double jacketed tanks made of SS316, the cost of LNG transport vehicle is much higher compare to LPG Tankers with lesser loading capacity. Rs 40-45 Lakhs per Tanker 18MT transportation. | Rs 90-100 Lakhs per Tanker 10MT transportation. |
Advantage: Auto LPG requires significantly lower investment for infrastructure, storage, and transportation.
Capital Investment for Retail Outlet/Operator
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Retail outlet Engineering setup (Add-on) | 60 Lakhs with 1 Dispenser 65 Lakhs with 2 Dispenser Rs 600 crore–Rs 650 crore | Online Station 225 Lakhs with 1 Dispenser 240 Lakhs with 2 Dispenser |
Retail outlet Engineering setup (Standalone) | 100 Lakhs with 1 Dispenser 105 Lakhs with 2 Dispenser | Online Station 325 Lakhs with 1 Dispenser 340 Lakhs with 2 Dispenser |
Advantage: Auto LPG requires significantly lower investment for infrastructure and retail outlet setup.
Advantage: Auto LPG requires significantly lower investment for infrastructure, storage, and transportation.
Performance and Efficiency
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Engine Performance | Comparable or slightly better performance than gasoline. | Slightly lower performance due to reduced power output. |
Mileage/Range | Longer range due to higher energy content. | Shorter range due to low energy density. |
Cold Weather Performance | Performs well in colder climates due to its properties. | Poor starting performance in extreme cold. |
Advantage:Auto LPG provides better mileage and consistent performance across various climates.
Environmental Impact
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Carbon Emissions | Comparable CO₂ emissions, but lower particulate matter and NOₓ than CNG. | Produces less CO₂ than gasoline or diesel. |
Air Quality Impact | Even lower NOₓ and particulate emissions, making it cleaner. | Minimal particulate and NOₓ emissions. |
Advantage:While both are cleaner than traditional fuels, Auto LPG has lower NOₓ and particulate emissions, making it more favourable for urban air quality.
Safety
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Storage Pressure | Lower-pressure storage, reducing safety risks. | High-pressure storage makes it more prone to leaks and explosions. |
Risk in Accidents | Auto LPG is heavier than air, but safety valves and systems mitigate risks. | Gas leaks in CNG are more hazardous due to the high pressure. |
Advantage:Auto LPG’s lower-pressure storage enhances safety.
Cost of Fuel
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Fuel Cost | Slightly higher cost per unit but better mileage reduces overall fuel expense. | Cheaper per unit but consumed in larger quantities due to lower energy content. |
Maintenance | Lower maintenance costs as LPG systems are simpler. | Higher due to the complexity of CNG systems and engine wear. |
Advantage:Auto LPG is slightly costlier initially but more cost-effective in the long run.
Global Scenario
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Fuel Cost | Adopted in both developed and developing nations. | Widely adopted in countries with significant natural gas reserves. |
Maintenance | Used extensively in Europe, especially in countries like Turkey, Italy, and Poland, where favourable policies support its adoption. | The need for pipelines and compression stations limits growth. |
More versatile in regions without natural gas infrastructure | Heavily reliant on government subsidies and policies. |
Summarised Advantages of Autogas over CNG
Parameter | Auto LPG | CNG |
Fuel Quality | Stable Quality, since produced in Refineries under controlled conditions. | Varying composition since it is supplied direct from the wells without any processing. |
Delivery Pressure | 10-12 bar | 200 bar |
Refuelling Time | Like MS, 3 to 4 minutes, typical liquid handling. | High refuelling time of 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the differential pressure, gaseous handling. |
Engine Performance | Better than Petrol under high speed and heavy load conditions. | Due to impurities, adverse engine performance under high speed and heavy load conditions. |
Availability | Can be made available in any part of the Country by installing Storage facility. Presently Industry ALDS available in about 350 cities | Available only on select cities where pipeline has been laid. |
Cost of Dispensing infrastructure | 50 lakhs at an existing Retail outlets | 200 lakhs at an existing Retail outlet |
Cost of conversion of vehicle | Rs.16000/- for 3 wheelers Rs. 20,000/- for 4 wheelers | Rs.35000/- for 3 wheelers Rs. 50,000/- for 4 wheelers Rs.300000/- for buses. |
Engine power and performance | RLPG typically provides slightly higher power output compared to CNG, leading to a subtle difference in acceleration and overall driving experience. | Engine performance, with CNG often offering a smoother and more consistent power delivery |
Conclusion :While both CNG and Auto LPG are cleaner alternatives to conventional fuels, Auto LPG emerges as superior in several areas:
For countries and regions lacking advanced natural gas networks or seeking quicker and cost-effective alternatives, Auto LPG offers a more practical and globally sustainable solution.