AutoGas LPG in India: Prices, Benefits & Safety Info

AutoGas Prices in Metro Cities

Previous Price of AutoGas in Metro Cities

AutoGas vs. LPG vs. CNG: Key Differences

AutoGas vs. Domestic LPG

Technically, they are the same product, a mixture of propane and butane. However, AutoGas is taxed differently and is subject to different quality standards compared to the LPG cylinders you might buy for a kitchen stove or heater.

You should never try to fill a car's tank using a domestic gas cylinder, AutoGas pumps have special filters and safety nozzles.

AutoGas (LPG) vs. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

The main differences between AutoGas and CNG are mentioned below

1. State of Matter: AutoGas is a liquid stored at low pressure. CNG is a gas stored at very high pressure.

1. Tank Weight: Because CNG requires high pressure, the tanks are heavy and thick. AutoGas tanks are much lighter and can often fit in the boot of a car. 

1. Energy Density: AutoGas has a higher energy content by volume than CNG, meaning you can typically drive further on a tank of LPG than on a similarly sized tank of CNG.

Facts About AutoGas

1. Cleaner Exhaust: LPG emits almost no particulate matter compared to diesel.

1. Safety Record: AutoGas tanks are made from steel stronger than standard petrol tanks. In crash tests, LPG tanks often survive impacts that rupture petrol tanks. 

1. Global Use: There are over 27 million AutoGas vehicles in use worldwide.

1. Engine Preservation: LPG burns cleaner, leaving fewer carbon deposits inside the engine. This can keep the engine oil cleaner for longer.

1. Dual Fuel: If you run out of AutoGas while driving, the system automatically switches back to petrol without stopping the car.

Benefits of AutoGas

Some of the main benefits of AutoGas are mentioned below

1. Smoother Performance: Due to the high octane rating, engine vibration and noise are often reduced.

1. Reduced Maintenance: The clean-burning nature of the fuel puts less stress on spark plugs and engine components.

1. Extended Range: Since you keep your petrol tank and add an LPG tank, your total driving range (combining both fuels) effectively doubles.

1. Fast Filling: Unlike electric vehicle charging which takes time, filling an LPG tank takes roughly the same time as filling a petrol tank.

With effect from April 24, 2000, the use of LPG as an automotive fuel became authorised in India, but only under strict safety restrictions. Until now, thousands of LPG vehicles have been operating illegally in various cities, utilising residential LPG cylinders, which is a very dangerous practice.

It is still unlawful to use household LPG cylinders in auto. IndianOil sells the fuel under the brand name 'AutoGas.' IndianOil has 347 Auto LPG Dispensing Stations in 197 cities across India (as on 01.04.21).

When assessed over the whole fuel cycle, AutoGas has a lower impact on greenhouse emissions than any other fossil fuel. Converting from gasoline to AutoGas reduces air pollution caused by vehicle emissions significantly.