Index
What is LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)?
LPG is a mixture of hydrocarbons — mainly propane and butane. Think of it as a gas that has been compressed until it turns into a liquid: that's how it's stored and transported, taking up far less space in the process. It is colourless and odourless (though an odorant is added so you can easily detect any leaks) and denser than air.
How is it produced?
LPG is obtained primarily as a by-product of oil refining — known as Downstream (accounting for 40% of total production) — and from natural gas processing, known as Upstream (the remaining 60%).
During these processes, propane and butane are separated, purified and liquefied to make storage and transportation easier. What's more, LPG is increasingly being produced from renewable sources such as biogas, making it an even more planet-friendly option.
Main uses of liquefied petroleum gas
LPG is a versatile fuel with applications across a wide range of sectors:
- At home: Cooking, heating water, powering central heating systems — LPG makes everyday home life more straightforward.
- In industry: From heat and energy generation to specific industrial processes, LPG is a reliable partner for businesses.
- In agriculture: Crop drying and greenhouse heating are just some of its applications in the agricultural sector.
- In transport: Autogas is a clean, cost-effective alternative that helps reduce both environmental impact and fuel costs — and it's an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a more sustainable solution for their vehicles.
The benefits of using LPG as a fuel
LPG isn't just efficient — it also offers real advantages for your wallet and for the environment:
- Lower environmental impact: It reduces pollutant emissions, helping to improve air quality in our cities.
- Save at every fill-up: Its price is generally lower than that of petrol or diesel.
- Outstanding performance: It delivers excellent energy efficiency, making the most of every last drop — or molecule.
- A fuel for every purpose: Its versatility makes it an ideal choice across a wide variety of applications.
- Built-in safety: Its storage and transportation are governed by strict regulations that ensure safety at all times.
How is LPG used in vehicles?
Converting your vehicle to run on LPG is simpler than you might think. A storage system and injection kit are installed, allowing the engine to run on either LPG or petrol — the choice is yours. This flexibility means you can enjoy all the benefits of autogas without giving up petrol when you need it.
What's more, at Moeve we have our very own Moeve Autogas Calculator, so you can work out how much you could save on fuel each year by converting your vehicle to autogas.
LPG vs. other fuels
LPG vs. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
Although both are gaseous fuels, LPG is stored in liquid form at low pressure, while CNG is stored as a gas at high pressure. This leads to significant differences in storage infrastructure, transportation and refuelling systems.
LPG vs. petrol and diesel
LPG is a cleaner fuel than both petrol and diesel, producing lower emissions of particulates, NOx and CO2. Its price is also typically more competitive.
Frequently asked questions about LPG
Is LPG safe to use at home or in vehicles?
Yes — LPG is safe as long as the relevant safety regulations are followed and proper maintenance is carried out on both installations and vehicles. At Moeve, we guarantee a safe, quality supply.
How many service stations offer autogas in Spain?
Spain has an extensive network of Moeve Service Stations offering autogas, with a total of 128 locations across the country.