A radical change is taking place in the use of fuel in transport sector throughout the country with environment-friendly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) replacing the compact natural gas (CNG).
Hundreds of autogas stations supplying LPG to vehicles have been opened across the country, including in Dhaka. Thousands of cars are now running on autogas.
LPG or autogas is much more inexpensive and less risky than CNG.
With an aim to reduce the cost of fuel, the government also wants the existing CNG stations to be converted into autogas stations to benefit vehicle owners. At the same time, the expenditure of the government will also be much less.
Autogas has gained more precedence than diesel, petrol, octane or even CNG in transport sector of developed nations. It is a widely available environment-friendly alternative fuel.
Autogas is actually LPG that is commonly used for heating and cooking. It is widely used in India also.
Energy experts say gas is being extracted from very deep soil. But at the initial stage, the gas is not suitable for use. A process plant is located on the surface of the gas field. The gas taken from the well is supplied to the pipeline by processing and mixing chemical at the plant. This natural gas is converted into various forms for reuse, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas).
Bangladesh is currently importing LNG from Qatar. At Maheshkhali terminal, the LNG is being converted into natural gas and then supplied to the pipeline.
Advantages of autogas: CNG is very harmful for engine. Usually the cars that are imported into our country are made to run by liquid fuel. CNG gas has a negative impact on the engine. But Autogas has no such effects. This is why this autogas or LPG is becoming much popular.
Autogas is the most popular automotive fuel in the developed countries and compared with octane, the cost of LPG is 30 to 40 percent lesser.
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