DOE set to release guidelines on use of LPG-powered cars

The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to release the guidelines that would govern the use of autogas in the transport sector.

The DOE said the rules would pave the way for the construction of autogas refilling stations in the country. Autogas-run vehicles normally utilize liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

"We are in the process of coming out with the standards for autogas filling stations to guide those who would want to put them up," DOE director Zenaida Monsada said.

Monsada said the DOE is also closely coordinating with the Trade and Industry Department for the formulation of the standards for autogas-run vehicles.

The use of autogas is one of the DOE’s initiatives in promoting alternative fuels.

Earlier, independent oil player Eastern Petroleum Corp. (EPC), has signified interest to enter into the autogas refilling business. Major oil firms Petron Corp. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. have already started marketing autogas.

"Were inviting franchise participants for the distribution network to support the reduction of motorist bills by at least P8 per liter and at the same time reduce pollution," EPC president Fernando Martinez said.

Petron and Shell have indicated that they will increase the number of autogas dispensing pumps in their service stations in Metro Manila. The oil giants said it will be economically viable for them to set up autogas dispensing pumps at the garage of taxi fleets.

Petron and Shell have committed to put up 10 dispensing pumps and four dispensing pumps of autogas, respectively. Two taxi fleets-Basic and Freedom – are already using autogas in their vehicles.

Last year, Petron built the first public autogas dispensing station, while the Development Bank of the Phils. (DBP) piloted a study converting 10 units from its service fleet to run on autogas.

Some 70 vehicles are now running on autogas, with 50 of these belonging to the Emerson Taxi group in Cebu. DOE estimates about 1,500 vehicles would be running on autogas by the end of 2013.

In 1999, when the Clean Air Act was passed, government encouraged the use of autogas. Autogas emits negligible emissions of toxic carbon monoxide.