Use of LPG as transport fuel
First of all, let’s be very clear: LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is not toxic. On the contrary, it is used worldwide as a modern, clean, low-carbon energy. It has considerably improved the lives of people who used to rely on wood, charcoal and animal waste for their primary domestic fuel.
Yes, LPG is used mainly for domestic cooking, heating and lighting. It is in the home where this exceptional energy has made a huge difference on people’s lives. The use of LPG in the home has brought many changes to people’s lives—social, economic, environmental—but most important of all, it has improved public health. LPG produces far less emissions than most other sources of energy. If LPG were toxic it would clearly have no place in the home simply because it would expose the family to health risks.
LPG is not only used in the home. It is such a versatile energy, having so many powerful properties, that it is used in all manner of ways. In the food industry, it is used to bake bread; in agriculture, to control weeds. In commerce, it is used in restaurants; and, of course, in transport, it displaces diesel and gasoline, in effect, reducing air pollution in the streets.
We were, therefore, very much disappointed to read in the Inquirer about people’s concerns with the use of LPG as transport fuel. Over the last 50 years LPG has been used as an alternative to diesel and gasoline. Why? Because it reduces pollution, which is precisely what gave rise to the very concerns that Inquirer cited in its Nov. 3 issue.
The World LP Gas Association spends a great deal of effort encouraging governments to adopt policies to move away from traditional polluting fuels such as biomass, kerosene and diesel.
We therefore applaud the initiatives in the Philippines to convert diesel jeepneys to LPG vehicles. This will result in cleaner air in the cities and make a major contribution in raising the quality of public health and well-being.
A good example is Hong Kong where in the late ’90s all the taxi and minibus fleets were running on diesel, and street air pollution had become a grave concern for the government.
After studying alternatives, the Hong Kong government decided to convert all taxicabs to LPG vehicles. Within a few years, all taxis, and many minibuses had switched to LPG and, today, the benefits are very palpable: street air quality has improved and incidents of
respiratory ailments are down.
Over 20 billion kilometers have been driven on LPG since it was first used as a transport fuel, and not a single major accident directly caused by LPG has been reported. Today, 16 million vehicles run on LPG in many countries, including Japan, Korea and Australia. It is not absurd to convert the jeepneys to LPG vehicles, it is good sense.
LPG is an exceptional energy, and we encourage its continued use. It helps improve the quality of public health, it does not make it worse.
—DAVID TYLER, director, World LP Gas Association, www.worldlpgas.com
