Prices fuel LPG demand

By Shaun Inguanzo
UNPRECEDENTED demand for LPG conversions has produced a painful eightweek wait for motorists.
Local LPG fitters last week blamed fuel prices which have risen to beyond $1.30 per litre in the past month.
LPG is a byproduct of the petrol refining process.
Knox Ford Value service manager Craig Greene said it was an abundant resource, driving its price to about 40 cents per litre – about 90 cents cheaper than unleaded petrol.
Mr Greene said petrol prices had fuelled an influx of enquiries and demand for LPG systems which could save motorists up to $2000 on fuel costs a year.
“We cannot get kits fast enough. There is a backlog of one to two months,” he said.
“We have now got a six to eight week wait on components.
“Gas tank manufacturers cannot make enough tanks for demand.”
Boronia Brakes mechanic Alan Cowley said LPG installation prices started from about $1800, rising to $3700 depending on the size of the tank.
This initial expense, according to fitters, is what had previously deterred customers from converting their cars to the dualfuel format.
“What used to be the odd job has turned into a daily exercise,” Mr Greene said.
“It was not as popular (as petrol) because there was no urgency or big demand.”
But with petrol prices continuing to rise, Mr Cowley said Boronia Brakes had been “flat out” with LPG installations.
He added that the one to two day installation period requiring one or two mechanics was making it difficult for staff to complete other mechanical jobs.
Mr Cowley said some small cars would not fit LPG tanks, but ‘most common cars’ could be converted.
Both Mr Cowley and Mr Greene said most motorists would not notice any difference in vehicle performance between LPG and petrol.
For those who are willing to face an eightweek wait, booking is essential, as is a deposit, according to Mr Cowley.