AutoGas

AutoGas

AutoGas (LPG) is a clean, high-octane, abundant and eco-friendly fuel. It is obtained from natural gas through fractionation and from crude oil through refining. It is a mixture of petroleum gases like propane and butane. The higher energy content in this fuel results in considerable reduction of CO2 emissions.

AutoGas is a gas at atmospheric pressure and normal temperatures, but it can be liquefied when moderate pressure is applied or when the temperature is sufficiently reduced. This property makes the fuel an ideal energy source for a wide range of applications, as it can be easily condensed, packaged, stored and utilised. When the pressure is released, the liquid makes up about 250 times its volume as gas, so large amounts of energy can be stored and transported compactly.

The use of LPG as an automotive fuel has become legal in India with effect from April 24, 2000, albeit within the prescribed safety terms and conditions. Hitherto, the thousands of LPG vehicles running in various cities have been doing so illegally by using domestic LPG cylinders, a very unsafe practice. Using domestic LPG cylinders in automobiles is still illegal.

The fuel is marketed by IndianOil under the brand name 'AutoGas'

Indianoil has 319 ALDS covering 185 cities as on 01.04.2024

AutoGas impacts greenhouse emissions less than any other fossil fuel when measured through the total fuel cycle. Conversion of petrol to AutoGas helps substantially reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions.

The saving on account of the conversion to AutoGas in comparison to petrol is about 35-40%. Low filling times and the 35-40% saving is a reason enough for a consumer to convert his vehicle to AutoGas.

autogas_eco

AutoGas Prices in Metros (Rs./Litre)

Applicable from September 1, 2024

Metros Prices
Delhi 62.80
Kolkata 56.74
Mumbai 63.42
Chennai 59.91


Auto LPG advantages

Parameters 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 bar 200 bar
Refuelling time 3-4 Minutes, liquid handling High refuelling time of 5-10 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. Available only on select cities where pipeline has been laid .
Cost of Dispensing infrastructure 40 lakhs at an existing retail outlet 150 lakhs at an existing retail outlet.
Cost of conversion of vehicle Rs 16000 to Rs 25000 Rs 40000 to Rs 60000(for 3/4 wheelers)
Calorific Value 90-95MJ/m^3, which means higher amount of heat energy produced with low residues thereby offering higher efficiency. 35-40MJ/m^3, compared to LPG efficiency is low due to low calorifc value
Environment emissions Overall low CO, CO2 , methane, NOx emissions but also emit lower particulate matter (considered a dangerous pollutant) than CNG CNG emits more Particulate matter than LPG