FAQBelow is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that are received by LPG Australia on a regular basis. If you don't find an answer to your particular question here or anywhere else on this site please feel free ask us through our CONTACT US section located by clicking that button on the top navigation list.
What is LPG?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas is the generic name for mixtures of hydrocarbons (mainly propane and butane). When these mixtures are lightly compressed (approx. 800 kPa or 120 psi), they change from a gaseous state to a liquid and become more dense (by approx. 270 times). Eg. 1 litre of LPG liquid is equal to 270 litres of LPG vapour. LPG is colourless, odourless and heavier than air, so a sulphur based chemical (ethyl mercaptan) is added to give it a smell like rotten cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected. LPG burns readily in air and has an energy content similar to petrol, which makes it an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and for automotive use.
Where does LPG come from?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas can be obtained from several sources. Most commonly in Australia it is extracted directly from 'wet' natural gas and is referred to by the industry as 'naturally occurring LPG.'The main supply sources for naturally occurring LPG include Bass Strait (VIC), Cooper Basin (SA), Kwinana and North West Shelf (WA) plus Surat Basin (QLD). Approximately 77% of Australia's LPG production is obtained from these supply points.The remainder of Australian LPG production is sourced from oil refining processes at the following refineries - Shell Clyde and Caltex Kurnell (NSW), BP Bulwer Island and Caltex Lytton (QLD), Mobil Altona and Shell Geelong (VIC), and BP Kwinana (WA).
How safe is LPG?
LPG has been used safely in Australia for many decades. The Australia Standards for LPG equipment, appliances and their installation and for storage and handling are among the world's best. Every aspect of the LPG industry is covered by a National Code or Standard and also by similar or additional State Regulations. The Australian LPG industry in conjunction with LPG Australia actively pursue world's best practice in the delivery of all LPG products and services to consumers.
Are there different types of LPG?
YES. There are two different grades or blends of LPG and they are not interchangeable. One is for automotive use only (called autogas) and will contain butane and propane. The other is propane only, which is used for decanting into cylinders for caravans, barbecues, camping and household use.
For safety reasons autogas must not be used as a substitute for propane only applications like BBQs or household use.
Who can install or repair LPG systems?
Only qualified LPG fitters are able to install or repair household, caravan or marine systems. All work must be carried out in accordance with AS5601 and/or AS1596, plus the relevant State or Territory Regulations. Only qualified LPG installers are able to installation or repair automotive LPG systems. All LPG related work must be carried out in accordance with AS1425 and AS2746 as well as the relevant State or Territory codes and regulations.
What is the best brand of LPG equipment?
Many different brands of equipment are available on the Australian market. It is advisable to research what brands are available, the advantages and disadvantages of each, warranty and customer support as well as the cost. Remember that the cheapest may not necessarily be the best.
Why does LPG cost more outside the cities?
This is a complex issue, which is affected by a number of factors. Firstly, additional costs are added to the price for transporting product from coastal terminals to inland outlets in regional areas. Compounding this transport cost is the fact that smaller volumes are transported to regional areas less frequently than in metro areas, (or even compared with petrol tanker deliveries to regional areas) so a higher premium is charged for the service, which is reflected in the price per litre. This transport premium could be as much as five times the amount to transport the same volume of petrol to the same regional outlet, as five times as much petrol is consumed in remote areas as LPG. Further information is found in our pricing facts section.
Is LPG autogas readily available?
With more than 3,200 autogas outlets across Australia, LPG is now found at about 45% of service stations. To find out where LPG Autogas outlets are located visit the www.lpgautogas.com.au website and search for outlets by state, suburb or postcode. LPG Australia doesn't produce a printed list of outlets as they change so often it would be difficult for us to keep a booklet up-to-date. Although we pride ourselves in keeping our database up-to-date, LPG Australia recommends that when travelling to remote locations, particularly in a dedicated LPG vehicle, that you contact autogas outlets before your trip to double check that they still stock autogas.
