IOC to open four more auto LPG stations in Ahmedabad

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) will open four more auto LPG dispensing stations in Ahmedabad by the end of the current year. The company opened an auto LPG dispensing station in Ahmedabad, the first in Gujarat, on Wednesday at a cost of Rs 55 lakh.

This auto LPG station is a company-owned retail outlet operated on a dealership basis. IOC will, at a later stage, open similar auto LPG stations in other cities and towns of Gujarat.

Speaking on the occasion, R Sareen, general manager, IOC, Gujarat, said, "The government of India has identified 26 most polluted cities in the country where auto LPG, an environment-friendly fuel, is to be introduced. Auto LPG reduces vehicular pollution considerably."

Sareen said the government has allowed the usage of LPG as an auto fuel through an amendment in the Motor Vehicle Act in August 2000. "The IOC refinery at Koyali in Gujarat produces LPG suitable for use in automobiles," he said while addressing a media conference.

The station was inaugurated by S K Nanda, principal secretary of the government of Gujarat's food and civil supplies department. D L Pramodh, senior divisional retail sales manager of IOC, said, "Fuel efficiency of auto LPG is about 85 per cent of petrol. The price of auto LPG in Ahmedabad is Rs 18.90 a litre, which is comparatively much cheaper than petrol."

But auto LPG will be costlier than compressed natural gas (CNG), distribution and marketing of which is expected to be kicked off in Ahmedabad in June.

Compared to petrol, Autogas has a higher octane content, according to RON (Research Octane Number).

"Higher octane rating means that combustion of LPG is smoother and knocking is eliminated," said Pramodh.

The cost of an LPG conversion kit for a car is between Rs 18,000 and Rs 20,000. Kit manufacturers should get approval from one of the four government-recognised agencies.

The auto LPG kit agencies are also authorised by the regional transport office (RTO) but after conversion, the vehicle owner will have to get a certificate from the RTO.

The IOC officials said Autogas has an excellent safety record throughout the world, in terms of storage, transportation and use.

All the auto LPG tanks are fitted with relief valves that provide an escape for gas should it come in contact with extreme heat.

The tanks are usually filled up to 80 per cent of capacity, leaving sufficient room for the liquid to expand when temperature is high.