Experts call for policy support to promote auto LPG use

Meanwhile, in his inaugural address, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, noted that in becoming the second largest consumer of LPG in the world through the flagship ‘Ujjwala’ scheme, India is driving the uptake of LPG in households, empowering its women by facilitating access to cleaner cooking fuel and providing them a life of swasthya (health) and samman (dignity).

On the issue of autogas, the president of the World LPG Association (WLPGA) Pedro Jorge Filho said that "We are at the beginning of the Golden Age of Gas, WLPGA aims to provide cooking gas for a better life and this effort is not possible without India’s contribution. A diverse country which is rapidly switching from conventional fuel to LPG. WLPGA will continue to support the use of autogas which can play an important role in addressing urban air pollution."

Autogas is cheaper and cleaner than conventional fuel and has high potential as it comprises only 1.7 per cent of total LPG consumption. An estimated 7 per cent of all vehicles, except for two-wheelers, run on autogas and has a high market potential.

The Minister, on the other hand, said that India has emerged as a “bright spot” due to the overwhelming success” of the ‘Ujjwala’ scheme that enabled an increase in LPG coverage from 55 per cent in 2014 to 90 per cent now. He added that Indian stands committed to continue its close relations with countries of south and south-east Asia by extending regional cooperation in the LPG space as well. This will not only promote economic development but also raise the standard of living of the people in the region.

“We are moving ahead in fostering regional cooperation by expanding the reach of LPG – together with countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar we are working to make LPG more affordable, available, and accessible in the region,” said the Minister.

 The two-day ‘WLPGA Asia LPG Summit’, focusing on ‘LPG – Energy for Life’, will be attended by more than 1000 delegates from over 20 countries. They will deliberate over a series of subjects including how India’s successful Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana can become a viable model for other countries to replicate, particularly those striving to provide clean cooking fuel to its people.

The summit has been organised jointly by the major Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum together with the WLPGA. This is the second edition of the Asia LPG Summit, with the first one having been held in 2017.