Interest in LPG-fed equipment rises

One of the few beneficiaries of volatile fuel costs is the liquefied petroleum gas industry. The rise of pump gas prices to as high as P60 a liter opened the eyes of many energy users to LPG as the more affordable and cleaner fuel alternative.

Pump prices may have dropped since then but the keen interest in LPG-fed equipment and appliances has remained high in the rising business district of Bonifacio Global City where a piped-in gas network is maintained by its affiliate Bonifacio Gas. The fuel price hike has spurred large institutions like high-end residential condominiums and hotels to shift from diesel-powered boilers and other equipment to those that run on LPG because of cost savings, according to Edwin Laset, general manager of Bonifacio Gas.

He adds that as a result of residents’ warm acceptance of piped-in gas in a number of condominiums like Pacific Plaza Towers, Bonifacio Ridge, and Penhurst, developers of upcoming residential towers have also opted to offer access to the LPG network as an added benefit to buyers. Other developments offering piped-in gas include Serendra, Kensington Place, Grand Hampton and Fort Legend Towers.

Laset observes that returning Filipino residents who have lived in Singapore and Hongkong where extensive piped-in gas networks are maintained have helped spur a growing interest in the use of LPG to run appliances. In addition to gas stoves, LPG-fed appliances include water heaters, washing machines, clothes dryers, and air conditioning systems. Compared to their counterparts that run on electricity, these equipment offer households a savings of about 40 percent.

On their own, several local entrepreneurs have seen the wisdom in using LPG to power equipment. One of them is Mike Hufana, who owns six laundry shops in Manila and Cavite. Because of soaring electricity costs, Hufana uses gas-fired dryers which he ordered from SM Appliance Center.

A medical center, a very prestigious hotel, and a high-end residential tower – all located at the Bonifacio Global City — will also use LPG to run their boilers and to provide hot water for showers, kitchen, laundry, room service and other applications. One advantage that these institutions will enjoy is the availability 24/7 of LPG, thanks to the existing network.

LPG is a clean fuel with low emission levels. Automotive industry experts note that in the next five years most car manufacturers will offer factory-built, fully certified and warranted cars and light commercial vehicles fueled solely by LPG. Conversion of existing vehicles that run on gasoline has been supported in Europe as a result of growing health concerns. Medical data have shown a direct link between a growing volume of tailpipe emissions and more hospital admissions for asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Tailpipe emissions of LPG-run cars have lower ozone-harming potential and 10 to 20 percent less carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxide emissions. The same applies to LPG equipment in comparison to their diesel-fed counterparts.

Laset points out that should all these LPG technologies and appliances become more available in the Philippines, residents of Bonifacio Global City stand to benefit most because of its existing and fully-functioning piped-in gas system. Not only will BGC residents spend less on fuel and electricity costs, they are also more likely to enjoy cleaner air. “It will only be a matter of time before consumers fully appreciate the benefits of LPG and heighten the demand for it,” he says.