Why is LPG dangerous? What about CNG or LNG? These are important questions after the tragedy in Krevedia. The risks and benefits of these alternative fuels are well studied and documented. Here’s what you need to know about LPG, CNG, LNG. What are the risks and benefits? How to avoid trouble.

LPG

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. It is obtained as a result of the oil refining process. In Romania it is very common on cars and the statistics cannot really account for the size of the LPG car park. Statistics include only cars equipped with LPG from the factory. All others bypass INS or DRPCIV hubs. There is nothing illegal in this, it is purely about administrative steps, due to which it is difficult to include a car equipped with secondary gas in the statistics. Only the Romanian Vehicle Register (RAR) theoretically has this data.

LPG can be a dangerous alternative fuel because it has a high calorific value and remains at ground level in the event of a spill (does not evaporate easily). LPG is a mixture of propane and butane. It is flammable and explosive. Unlike CNG or LNG, the specificity of LPG is that it is twice as heavy as air and is at ground level. In the event of a spill, it disperses much harder, which makes it dangerous. This is one of the reasons why LPG cars are not allowed in underground parking lots.

When used safely, LPG has a low price and very good combustion properties. A car that runs on liquefied natural gas (essentially a gasoline car) is more economical and environmentally friendly than when it runs on gasoline.

CNG

CNG (English CNG) comes from compressed natural gas. That is, gaseous, natural fuel consisting mainly of methane. It is much more environmentally friendly than LPG, but also more expensive. At the same time, the calorie content is lower. It is non-toxic, tasteless and odorless.

Two identical cars, but one equipped with liquefied gas and the other with compressed gas, will travel different distances. An LPG car will have a higher range than a CNG car (given both have the same tank capacity).

Cars running on LNG are less common. They are more expensive, have less autonomy, higher operating cost. Hence, the market situation is clear in favor of LPG.

The great advantage of CNG is its lower hazard. It has a lower calorific value and is lighter than air, so it dissipates much faster. This results in higher operational safety compared to LPG.

However, no later than the spring of 2023, a high-profile explosion occurred in Romania during the refueling of a car running on LNG.

LNG

LNG is a liquefied natural gas that is rarely found in individual vehicles. Reasons? Cost, complexity of transport, storage and consumer facilities. And LNG is more environmentally friendly than natural gas. At the same time, LNG surpasses its “gaseous brother” CNG in terms of calorific value.

But due to reasons of cost and complexity, it is not very common on cars, but it is quite common on heavy vehicles and machinery.

Why is LPG dangerous? What about CNG or LNG?

All three types of alternative fuels – LPG, CNG, LNG – can be dangerous. If storage and transport facilities are faulty, tragedies are possible. Likewise, in case of improper handling during transportation or feeding.

The most important thing is the level of individual responsibility when interacting with this fuel.

The user of a car running on LPG, CNG or LNG should know that a malfunction, no matter how minor, can lead to a tragedy: an explosion, a fire. What can you say, for example, about diesel, which has a much lower explosive potential.

The same applies to technicians who work with this fuel: they must follow all safety rules. Some are required by law, others are “just” additional safety guidelines. If they are violated, the tragedy is over.

Next comes the liability of legal entities (firms, directors, etc.) that use LPG, CNG or LNG in one form or another. Regardless of whether they sell, transport or consume it, the responsibility of the entity dealing with this fuel is very high.

This is followed by state and local control mechanisms. The state must prevent tragedies by following the laws. Laws that should be clear and easy to follow by legal entities and individuals.

It is easy and painful to observe that violations of individual, corporate and state responsibility can lead to mass tragedies.

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