Inevitably, there is often confusion between Autogas – liquefied petroleum gas used as a transport fuel – and natural gas, usually in compressed form. That is understandable, as they are both gaseous fuels, though they are quite distinct in terms of their chemical and physical characteristics, as well as how convenient they are to use in practice. But in some cases, there is even confusion about the difference between Autogas and gasoline, not least in the United States, where of course gasoline is usually referred to as “gas”.

This represents a wasted opportunity, for Autogas has a lot going for it alongside the conventional fuels, gasoline and diesel, and the range of other alternative fuels on offer. Autogas beats conventional fuels on the environmental impact and, in many cases, on cost as well. What’s more, Autogas usually beats biofuels, natural gas and electric vehicles on cost and practicality. It is not for nothing that Autogas is the world’s leading alternative fuel bar biofuels.

All the evidence from around the world demonstrates clearly the strong link that exists between the efforts of the LPG industry to promote the benefits of Autogas on the one hand and the supportiveness of government policies and the size of the Autogas market on the other.

This makes it all the more important for the Autogas industry to ensure that policy makers and the general public alike are kept informed about the benefits of Autogas and why supportive government policies make sense.

Several of the articles in this edition of Autogas Updates draw attention to the critical importance of raising awareness of the benefits of Autogas and making sure the politicians take note and follow through with effective action to promote its use.

Burak Pala at Aygaz reports on the promising early results of his company’s recently launched by Aygaz in Turkey to educate the public about the advantages of using Autogas – not just for the private motorist but for the environment. José Alberto Oliveira at APETRO, the Portuguese Oil Association, describes how the industry’s efforts to convince the politicians of the need to remove the nonsensical restriction on parking Autogas vehicles in underground car parks have finally borne fruit. David Appleton at the European LPG Association reviews the latest EU proposals to promote alternative fuels, pointing out the need for the Autogas industry to make sure that its voice is heard and that Autogas is treated fairly. And the WLPGA’s David Tyler reports on the reception held by Calor Gas at the House of Commons last month to promote Autogas as an alternative transport fuel in the UK.

Autogas is undoubtedly a great fuel: clean, practical, affordable and available. But it doesn’t sell itself. There can be no let-up in our efforts to get that message across, loud and clear. 

Disagree? Agree? Either way, Trevor would like to hear your reaction and any thoughts you might have about Autogas Updates! He can be reached by email at trevor.morgan@menecon.com.