LPG, a Substitute for Gasoline

TEHRAN (Iran News) Using the domestic surplus of LPG instead of exporting it in raw form can reduce the financial pressure of gasoline imports and, at the same time, significantly help diversify the country’s fuel portfolio.

Its lower price, domestic availability, and lower pollution compared to gasoline are the main driving factors behind this plan. The most important part of the decision is the direct reference to the risks which—if neglected—can turn the entire plan into a new crisis in the social, safety, environmental, and economic domains.

The distribution network, refueling stations, and standard installation systems are, of course, not ready, and they are costly. In a situation where the government has to think about every single rial it spends, this will also be time-consuming.

It must be acknowledged that neglecting non-standard vehicle conversions—which pose a major threat to public safety—will undoubtedly create serious problems. In Iran, it has already been experienced that without precise and continuous supervision, standards either remain only on paper or are implemented incompletely according to group interests and, at times, even individual ones.

In summary, I must emphasize that the fate of this plan—exactly as mentioned—depends on “precise energy governance.” Its success requires an immediate and decisive operational program.

Building standard LPG refueling stations for vehicles and developing a safe transportation network will be the key to success.

Setting precise technical specifications for parts and installation, and granting permits only to qualified conversion centers, is also important.

The next point is establishing a strong regulatory body to inspect the sources of converted vehicles and the fueling stations. Educating citizens about the benefits, risks, and safe usage is the essential first step.

If the government pursues these requirements seriously, transparently, and rapidly, LPG can play an important role in reducing dependence on gasoline and overcoming the current multifaceted crisis. Otherwise, the risk of turning this opportunity into a new and more complex problem will be very real.