Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is considered a clean and environmentally-friendly source of energy. As an energy source for cooking it can reduce the negative health impacts of 2.6 billion people who currently cook with inefficient biomass stoves that emit harmful smoke and particles.

The potential of LPG as an alternative cooking fuel is know for several years now. In 2001, a joint study of the World Bank and the World LPG Association (WLPGA) describes the potential of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for an improved supply in impoverished countries in the following way:

„Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a clean and environmentally-friendly source of energy. To protect the environment LPG could be made available to replace wood and biomass in all households in all developing countries.” (World Bank und WLPGA, 2001)

Today, LPG plays an increasingly important role in cooking energy interventions. In order to estimate the long-term potential of LPG as a fuel in the cooking energy sector, this article presents key aspects regarding the use of LPG as a cooking fuel in low-income households. At the end of each chapter, further links are provided to allow for a deeper exploraiton of each of the presented topics.

Facts & Figures about LPG

What is LPG?

LPG stands for 'Liquefied Petroleum Gas' denoting mainly propane, butane and mixes of the two. These hydrocarbons are sourced during petroleum extraction and its refining process and thus count as fossil fuels.

Under normal atmospheric conditions LPG is a colourless and odourless gas. Under pressure, LPG becomes liquid. This process leads to the reduction of the volume to 1/260 of the gaseous aggregate state.

In relation to other fuels, the energy density of LPG (27.5 MJ/kg) is high (~ 10-times higher than wood). As a result, transport and storage of LGP is easier than it is for wood (Practical Action, 2003).

Liquefied Gas is heavier than air and can therefore create 'lakes' on the ground. To prevent explosions and to recognise leakages, it is a common practice to mix odorous substances into the gas.

Further Information:

Multiple Household Cooking Fuels

These factsheets present different characteristics of different cooking fuels

What’s the difference between CNG, LNG, LPG and Hydrogen?

An article about the differences between Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and hydrogen.

Deutscher Verband Flüssiggas e.V.

This website (German) of the German Association of Liquid Gas communicates news information and events.

Supply and Demand of LPG

LPG Supply

1. How is LPG produced?

LPG is a by-product of the fossil fuel industry; it is separated during petroleum and gas extraction as well as during raw oil refining where it is separated from other types of energy (heavy oil, diesel etc.).

45% of global LPG production is a product of the refinery process. The remaining 55% of LPG stocks are separated as accompanying products during oil and gas extraction.

a. LPG from petroleum gas and oil extraction (55%)

Depending on its origin, natural gas is made up of gases and liquids to varying degrees. As commercially used gas has to consist almost purely of methane, the extracted raw gas needs to be cleaned. In this process, gases that are not desired in the commercial gas distribution have to be removed. Propane and butane are used as LPG. 1 - 10% of the total 'raw petroleum gas' will become LPG (WLPGA, 2014).

During oil extraction, LPG appears as an accompanying gas. Depending on the origin, each ton of extracted petroleum contains 25 - 800 m³ accompanying gas. This is immedialely extracted in order to stabilise the raw oil. These accompanying gases are then either processed or burnt on the spot. As part of the latter process - known as flaring - approximately 140 billion m³ of potential LPG are burnt every. This is equal to approx. 70 million tons (or 5 % of the global gas consumption) and a value loss of 30 - 35 billion USD (Roenn, 2013).

b. LPG from the refining process (45 %)

LPG is separated from other derivatives in oil and gas refineries (see image 1). Commonly 4 - 5 % of the total raw oil can be extracted as LPG. This value can sink to 1 % in relation to other oil products depending on the quality of the raw oil, the technical standard of a given refinery and current market prices for propane and butane in comparison to other oil products (WLPGA, 2014).

2. How much LPG is produced?

230 million tons of LPG were produced in 2008. By 2012, the global production had risen to 274 million tons (equivalent to a 19% increase).

Between 2011 and 2012 production rose another 3%. This growth that can almost exclusively be attributed to the gas extraction sector- whose LPG production capacities grew 6%. This especially includes the US-led expansion of shale gas extraction 'fracking'- since the expansion of 'fracking' US LPG production rose by 8%. (Leija and Gist, 2013).

3. Where is LPG produced?

For a long time North America was the largest LPG producer. By now the Middle East is the leading LPG producing region. Local LPG processing capacities in the Middle East both from oil and gas were strengthened substantially in the last couple of years. In 2012, 67 million tons of LPG were produced in the Middle East alone (see Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Regional LPG production in million tons 2002-12(Argus, 2013)

In the next couple of years, North American production capacities are expected to grow again due to the expansion in the shale gas sector (PR Newswire, 2013). It is also expected that production will rise in West Africa, Australia, Russia and China (Argus, 2013). This increase is mainly possible through the development of refineries which allow the extraction of LPG.

4. How much LPG will be available in the future?

As a by-product of the oil production, the supply of LPG is directly dependent of the extraction of fossil fuels. As oil extraction rises, the increased production of LPG becomes possible. When it falls, LPG availability will also fall. Larger production capacities may open up from the discovery of new oil fields - e.g. in Antarctica or from the extraction of shale gas. Nevertheless, this poses significant environmental threats and is thus highly controversial.

More LPG may also be made available by using the presently burnt accompanying gases during oil or gas extraction (flaring). This currently adds up to 70 million tons of gas available as a ressource. The technology to exploit LPG from accompanying gases exist. First attempts to power villages from such accompanying gases are prepared as part of a High Impact Opportunities under SE4All (see SE4All).

LPG Demand

1. How much LPG is consumed where?

Global LPG consumption in 2008 stood at 230 million tons. By 2012, consumption rose to 265 million tons.

The largest proportion of the increase can be attributed to the Asian-Pacific region (see Fig. 3). Consumption there rose from 58,000 million tons to 80,000 million tons between 2000 and 2010. In 2011 the Asia-Pacific region made up 35 % of global consumption. Annual growth rates of 4.8 % in demand are anticipated until 2018 (PR Newswire, 2013).

Fig. 3: Global LPG consumption from 2002-2012 (adapted from Argus, 2013)

Regarding individual countries, China is the leading LPG consumer consuming 13.3 million tons, followed by India consuming 9.9 million tons. USA, Mexico and Brazil consume 7.5, 6.3 and 5 million tons of LPG per year.

2. What is LPG used for?

There are more than 2000 different uses for LPG. Globally most consumption occurs at the household level (49 %), followed by petrochemical usages (21.6 %), industrial usages (11.8 %), direct consumption in refineries and finally the agricultural sector (2 %). Other sectors (e.g. Auto gas) make up an aggregated 9.3 % of total LPG consumption (Stealthgas, 2013).

In industrial countries, LPG is used for the following purposes:

Heating and Cooking - especially in locations that are not connected to local gas distribution systems.
Auto gas - Consumption of auto gas is enhanced through low taxes. In 2008, more that 13 million cars ran on LPG globally. Industries are currently promoting the spread of car gas.
Furthermore, LPG is used for cooling and in the Petrochemical industry. To this end, petrochemical industries use e.g.: the process of propane dehydration to produce propene. Propane is used as a component to produce plastic. (LPGas, 2013).

In developing countries LPG is popular as a cooking fuel. Users are predominately urban-dwellers in places where there is a supply network and people have the high disposable income necessary for acquisition cost and running fuel costs.

Relationship between demand and supply

Since 2007 global production capacity of LPG is growing faster than demand: In 2012, there was 9.7 million tons of excess LPG. This gap is widening. In 2012, for example, consumption rose by 2% while production rose by 3 %.

Despite the excess amounts produced, LPG is scarce in many regions- especially in rural areas of developing countries (see e.g.: Chandra, 2010). This is mainly due to lacking supply networks, which are not able to supply centres of demand with the excess LPG.

The excess amount of LPG is thus often further processed. LPG is used in petrochemical industries or in the production of Liquid Natural Gas, as transportation into other markets was either not possible or viable (Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas2013.pdf Argus, 2013).

Further Information:

Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas2013.pdf Statistical Review of LP Gas

Short overview of results of statistical research of Argus and WLPGA concerning the production and consumption of LPG.

Indian LPG Market Prospects

A PowerPoint presentation on plans of the Indian government concerning LPG consumption and development.

Residential Market for LPG: A Review of Experience of 20 Developing Countries

A World Bank sponsored study of LPG markets in 20 different countries.

Global Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Market is Expected to Reach USD 266.41 Billion in 2018: Transparency Market Research

Short overview of results of a market survey by Transparency Market Research about the future development of LPG markets.

List of Publications of the World LPG Associations

Gas Flaring - Warum Ölkonzerne auf Klimaschutz pfeifen

Documentary (in German) about gas flaring and technical solutions to extract accompanying gases.

Supply routes of LPG

A number of different steps are necessary from the production-that is the extraction- of LPG until it reaches the end-consumer. This requires infrastructure for its distribution (see Fig. 5).

It starts with Step 1- Production. LPG is separated from petroleum gas or oil. As described above, this ensures the stabilisation of the petroleum or the cleansing of the gas. In this process 55% of global production is extracted.

In Step 2- Transport, the remaining petroleum gas or oil as well as the separated LPG is transported through ships, pipelines and trains.

While oil and gas is transported to refineries, LPG is transported in special storage facilities where it is already put under pressure. This is Step 3- Refinery and Storage. As described above further LPG is separated and gained in refineries (45% of global production).

In Step 4 – Further Transport, LPG is transported from refineries or large warehouses to smaller warehouses or cylinder charging stations.

Figure 5. Route of LPG from production to the end-consumer (adapted from WLPGA, 2014)

In Step 5- Cylinder charging and Storage, LPG is filled into smaller cylinders or stored in warehouses for consumption.

This is followed by Step 6- Distribution, where cylinders or small quantities of LPG are distributed to the end-consumer. This is done mainly through Lorries.

In the lastStep 7- End-consumer, the route from production to the customer is finalised. Depending on the circumstances smaller cylinder merchants can locally store LPG and fill it into smaller cylinders. Alternatively, they can be sold directly to the consumer in small cylinders. Bigger customers in industries usually dispose of larger storage tanks.

Further Information:

PRIMAGAS Energie - Von der Nordsee in den Tank

A short film (German) about the supply routes of LPG from the North Sea to the end-consumer.

II. LPG as a cooking fuel for low-income households

General factors concerning the choice of cooking fuels

The selection of the type of fuel during cooking is contingent of several factors. Factors influencing the decision are availability, affordability, habits and the usability of the fuel. The prevailing use of fire food in many developing countries is primarily because it is cheap (often free) and widely available. In the future wood will remain the primary cooking fuel for rural households (GIZ, 2014).

An increase in LPG usage could reduce the total usage of wood, coal and kerosene. This is already the case in some cities where LPG was widely available leading to higher consumption rates. It should nevertheless be noted that households to not completely replace one fuel by another. Instead, they use a mix of fuels and a singular fuel in a given moment is chosen depending on the characteristic of the fuel (heating up time, type of food prepared, income etc.).

Cooking systems using LPG

A typical cooking system which uses LPG is made up of a steel cylinder filled with LPG, a pressure controller, a tube connecting the cylinder to the pressure controller and the burner, and finally the burner itself. The burner can consist of one or more cooking tops.

The size of the system depends on the size of the cylinder. Cylinders exist in various sizes e.g.: 2.7 kg, 6 kg, 12 kg or 16 kg. A survey in 20 countries showed that low-income countries households mainly use cylinders smaller than 6 kg (Weltbank, 2011).

Nevertheless, the majority of currently available LPG cylinders are larger (up to 47.5 kg). This proves problematic for low-income households both in the acquisition as well as the recharge of LPG. In low-income countries, the limited availability of small cylinders acts as a barrier to improving LPG supply.

LPG stoves tend to have an efficiency of 55 and 60%. A 14 kg LPG stove with equipment costs approximately 66$. The life-cycle is 5-8 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel for low-income households

Advantages of LPG as a cooking fuel

The main advantages of LPG provision of low-income households in comparison to conventional fuels are:

Health

The use of LPG reduces the interior air pollution by 90% in comparison to traditional ways of burning biomass e.g.: three-stone fire (WHO, 2011; Polsky and Ly, 2012). As LPG burns almost completely the proportion of pollutants is reduced.

Environmental impacts

CO2 emissions are relatively low. Compared to coal, which is used in traditional stoves, greenhouse gases are reduced by 5-16 times per prepared meal (Bailis et al., 2003). If LPG was used, wood consumption may reduce substantially; 45 kg LPG produces the thermic energy of about half a ton of wood. In regions with low biomass, or in region where more than the sustainably available amount of biomass is burnt, LPG could lead to a significant relief of current biomass resources.

Further advantages

LPG stoves quickly supply very high heat and are more efficient that stoves which burn biomass. The simple and precise regulation possibilities simplifies cooking for the cook and can save time both during cooking, as well as during cleaning the kitchen.

Due to the high energy density, LPG is easily transportable.

Disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel

The disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel are following:

Availability

In 2002 it was calculated that 120 billion tons of LPG are necessary to supply 2 billion people with cooking fuels (UNDP, 2000). This equates to 60 kg of LPG per head which currently equates to half of global production. Such quantities of LPG are currently not available to be used as a cooking fuel. It results that the following goals must be met for an efficient LPG supply as a cooking fuel:

new sources must be found (shale gas through fracking, oil extraction in the arctic).
current extraction processes must be made more efficient (higher LPG share as a refining product, accompanying gas)

or

other uses must be reduced (e.g.; urban cooking demand must be met with conventional gas, decreased petrochemical use, reduced use of car gas).

Costs

In most countries, in which an improved LPG provision would be reasonable, the LPG market is underdeveloped or non-existent. The development of available structures would require substantial financial means. These entail:

a). Costs of developing the market/ Infrastructure investments

The development of the LPG market is bound up with significant investments. The necessary investments include:

production capacities need to be built or developed
in case of LPG import, import facilities must be available. In case of demand fluctuations, individual countries must be able to store large quantities of LPG.
From there, LPG can either be transported to few large central stations or too many, decentralised stations.

WLPGA states that the set-up of central cylinder filling station with a capacity of 50,000 tons would require ca. 7 million € (WLPGA, 2013). 500 smaller facilities with a capacity of 1,000 tons each cost 12 million €. While the latter is more expensive, it could reduce transport costs.

Regarding the necessary size of Investments: in the next couple of years the Indian energy ministry plans to make investments of 2 billion US$ to develop import facilities, storage facilities and cylinder filling to develop the LPG market (Chandra, 2010).

b) Initiating costs for the consumer

Next to investment into infrastructure, consumers require capital to buy a stove which can use LPG. A LPG cylinder system of 14 kg costs 66 $. This acts as a barrier for many households and is a disadvantage in relation to competing cooking fuels like wood, coal and kerosene. Average costs for a kerosene stove are 83% lower (TDL, 2013).

Running costs for the consumer

In November 2010, the international market price for LPG was at 850 US$ per ton. The World Bank estimates that the supply chain costs 300 US$ per ton until it reaches the end-consumer. This equates to 1.15 US$ per kg of LPG (excluding taxes and subsidies). In the 20 countries in which the local price of LPG was surveyed, 6 countries were found to have prices within 0.10 US$ of this price level. In the remaining 14 countries larger price variations were found (Morocco: 0.40 US$, Turkey: 3.26 US$ see. Fig. 6).

Figure 6. LPG prices for the end-consumer in December 2010 (adapted from Matthews and Zeissig, 2011)

The price of LPG decreases in line with the bought quantity and shorter travel routes. Low-income households in rural areas will thus pay a higher price for LPG. This is a disadvantage to wood and coal, given that wood is often free and coal fairly cheap. Furthermore, low-income households can often not afford bulk buys.

Insecurities regarding price development

A further disadvantage of LPG is the fluctuating running costs. In India the price of unsubsidized LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg was increased by 20% (ToI, 2014). Beyond this, information regarding long-term price development of LPG are hardly available.

Potential LPG customers thus reject changing to LPG. In South Africa a household surveys stated that households decided not to use LPG due to the insecure price developments (Burger, 2010).

Table summarizing advantages and disadvantages

The following table summarises the most important advantages and disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel for low income households:

Advantages

Disadvantages

General

nearly smoke-free burning of LPG and thus more healthy
easy handling: turning the stove on and off does not involve major health and safety risks e.g.: burns.
Simple Regulation: It is easy to regulate the heat
fast heating
very efficient (high fuel value)
transportable
will burn despite wind
stable on different surfaces
no fire risks
portable

Cost effectiveness

durable devices
low running costs

Social

diversified energy supply
especially women and children spend less time collecting firewood
Arbeitsplätze Kohle- sowie Holzkohlegewinnung I don’t understand this point

Environment

lower deforestation
lower greenhouse emissions compared to burning biomass or coal

General

fossil fuel
markets -especially rural markets- not developed
lacking infrastructure for supply (currently few storage and filling facilities)
irregular supply
risk of explosion
few filling stations
dependant on imports

Cost effectiveness

high starting costs for equipment
high running costs ( how can that be an advantage and disadvantage
price developments ambiguous

Social

cylinders may not completely filled at purchase
may lead to unemployment; 10-20 jobs are created per TJ of LPG while coal creates 200-350 jobs per TJ

Environment

LPG demand may enhance the environmentally devastating shale gas and oil extraction

Table 1. Overview of advantages and disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel

Further Information:

Multiple Household Cooking Fuels

Fuel Factsheets show different cooking fuels.

Residential Market for LPG: A Review of Experience of 20 Developing Countries

A study sponsored by the World Bank reviewing 20 countries

LPG as a cooking fuel for low-income households

Challenges for an improved supply of cooking fuels through LGP

The challenges of an improved supply of LPG as a cooking fuel in low-income households can be divided into five areas:

Administration

A central role in the development of the development of a LPG market is its effective regulation. This holds for the establishment of functioning market structures, as well as for the security of consumers. The report from the World LPG Association presents the most important aspects to be considered in the regulation of LPG markets. The report contains different sales models, ways to handle cylinders and outlines the definition and regulation of safety standards (see WLPGA, 2013).

For enhancing investment long-term statement from politicians would be helpful. In this regard subsidies are especially important (IEA, 2011).

To enable access for the target group, regulations and subsidies must be targeted.

Availability

In many countries private sector investments ensured the supply of LPG to especially high-income households in cities. Some countries and many rural areas have little or no supply infrastructure. Without public sector initiatives, private companies are unlikely to invest in peripheral regions. This is why state intervention, targeting rural low-income households especially, are necessary. The private sector can be partially involved in the costs (IEA, 2011).

Next to the provision of decentralised distribution networks, filling stations are also important for the supply of rural areas. LPG should always be disposable in these stations, as a secure supply would increase people's acceptance of LPG. Acceptance is likely to fall if supply is unstable.

Affordability

As soon as supply is assured, affordability becomes the largest barrier to an improved usage of LPG. Subsidies are necessary both for initial and running costs if LPG is to be made available for low-income households.

Subsidising initial costs

Subsidising the initial costs allows access to LPG usage. Nevertheless, subsidies of the equipment without subsidies of running costs could lead to a situation in which families cannot afford to actually use LPG. Such would be a 'dead' investment (IEI, 2004).

Subsidising running costs

Die Förderung des Treibstoffs ist sinnvoll, wenn die Nutzung von LPG für einkommensschwächere Gruppen ermöglicht werden soll. (Den Satz verstehe ich vom Sinn nicht. Was meint ihr mit 'foerderung'?). Different precautionary measures have to be made. The amount of low-priced LPG could be limited through coupons. Subsidised cylinders could be marked with colours to prevent subsidised LPG being sold-on to other households (IEI, 2004).

The grading of subsidies according to usage would ensure that households with low consumption pay a low price. According to this model large-scale consumers would pay a progressively rising tariff (IEI, 2004).

Who pays the subsidies?

LPG subsidies require large investment sums. A study of the OECD and the IEA found that they would have needed 1.5 billion US $ for the supply of LPG-stoves and cylinders (OECD und IEA, 2006). The financing of hardware could stem from various sources. Microcredit institutions could hand out credits. Alternatively, LPG entrepreneurs could keep the ownership of the cylinders and demand rent or a deposit from its customers. Furthermore, the distribution of smaller cylinders would decrease the necessary amount of capital or subsidies.

Regarding the running costs, there are various possibilities to keep the costs of LPG subsidies low. Subsidies of kerosene could be used for LPG investments which would enable a 'fuel switch' without increasing costs for the public sector. In Indonesia such a switch from kerosene to LPG subsidies actually saved the government 6.9 million US$. It should be ensured that low-income consumers to not carry the costs of potential price increases. In Indonesia this was not the case; Energy costs for the consumer dropped by 42 % (WLPGA, 2011).

Subsidies can further be enhanced through the progressive tariffs mentioned above: LPG prices can rise along with quantity bought. The surplus gained by such tariff schemes can then subsidise the low-income households.

Guidelines of subsidies

Badly defined subsidies can decrease incentives to invest, decrease efficiency, encourage wasteful behaviour and burden public finances (Matthews and Zeissig, 2011). Because consumers quickly get used to subsidies, a reduction of subsidies, even with prior warnings, is difficult to push.

Thus the following points should be considered in the design of different subsidy programs of LPG for low-income households:

investment in concrete system parts can be presented as more cost-efficient and require less monitoring than investments in fuels;
subsidies for rural households must be targeted and transparent as without necessary restrictions subsidy regulations are often ignored;
time-bound subsidies reduces costs but can lead to a market crash (e.g. in Indonesia);
the price structure in relation to other fuels should be in line with the energy supply strategy of a given country, so that LPG is cheaper than kerosene for example

The private sector should be integrated into all financing plans. The private sector could, for example, enable the distribution of small cylinders. The extra costs of such endeavours can be counteracted through long-term consumption.

Awareness

LPG is seen as a modern, clean and easily-used fuel. Nevertheless, educational campaigns are sometimes useful. Especially health and environmental benefits should be underlined to target groups. Furthermore, to avoid accidents, the correct application should be advocated.

Furthermore, consumer confidence regarding the correct filling of cylinders needs to be raised. In underdeveloped LPG markets consumers sometimes obtain less LPG than they have paid for.

Technical solutions to this problem such as see-through cylinders have been developed by Ragascon. Such cylinders allow the consumer to check the filling level him/herself. Yet, such cylinders are not established on the market. In a well-functioning LPG market, where the cylinders are refilled and sealed by a regulated market actor such schemes would not be necessary.

Security of supply

Current production surpluses of 9.7 million tons allow the increased distribution of LPG to low-income households. Nevertheless, it should be considered that prices will rise as soon as demand exceeds production. At this point, the distribution of limited LPG will be determined by the purchasing power of a given customer. As prices rise, low-income households will be excluded from an adequate LPG supply. This is important to consider as for many low-income households, current LPG price levels are already too high.

Short and middle-term security of supply for low-income households

LPG demand of petrochemical industries rose markedly in the US and the Middle East. It is expected that petrochemical industries will absorb current supply surpluses as long as prices remain low (PR Newswire, 2013). Increased demand is also expected in the car gas sector. Consumption is expected to rise annually by 4.4 % between 2012 and 2018.

In can nevertheless be anticipated that LPG will be available for consumption by low-income households. This is due to anticipated increases in LPG production raising quicker than consumption levels.

Furthermore, unused accompanying gases can be used to supply low-income households. In Nigeria, where large parts of the population use traditional cooking fuels and LPG-consumption remains low despite available oil resources, the usage of accompanying gases would be viable.

Whilst accompanying gases are used for electrification programs through SE4All-Initatives, there are no known programs which specialise in LPG supply through using accompanying gases. This is the case despite the existence of the technological know-how.

Long-term security of supply for low-income households

Since LPG supply is directly related to the availability of finite oil and gas deposits, supply for low-income households cannot be guaranteed in the long-term. To the contrary; as demand increases and availability decreases, prices will rise and thus increase the costs for low-income households.

Thus to ensure the long-term supply of LPG for low-income households, the development of supply strategies should be agreed with representatives of both politics and industry. As described above, demand is state-aided in various sectors (car gas, petrochemical industries etc.); this already threatens supply of low-income households in the middle-term.

To realistically ensure the goal of ' universal access to clean cooking fuels by 2030' stated by the IEA through 50% use of LPG, the following conflicts should be consciously avoided:

conflicts between producing and importing countries
conflicts between consumers on a household level, car gas and petrochemical industries
conflicts between demand centres in the city and rural areas

Table summarizing challenges

Barrier	Characteristics
1. Regulation	the absence of clear rules can lead to security risks or the development of black markets lack of regulations discourages investors the mixing of cylinders from different producers may occur fraud may occur during refilling
2. Availability	storage capacities are insufficient to compensate demand fluctuations. Thus shortages or surpluses will arise. market participants, end suppliers or merchants staffing filling stations may not be available or have lacking capacities supply routes are not developed and companies are unlikely to develop access to remote areas lack of domestic production: dependence on LPG exporters low availability of small systems and system parts such as cylinders, connection hoses, regulators and cooking stoves
3. Affordability	high initial costs compared to other fuels prices are higher in undeveloped markets lack of regulation may lead to the development of black markets subsidies for alternatives fuels such as coal or kerosene make LPG expensive low-income households have a low disposable income and sometimes have no costs for cooking fuels the remoter the supply, the more expensive the fuel
4. Awareness	health and environmental benefits of LPG are sometimes not known insecurity regarding die economic development of LPG LPG is sometimes seen as unsafe; this is a result of few cases of improper usage of LPG cylinders which lead to accidents bad reputation of LPG due to improper filling and refilling of LPG cylinders
5. Supply security	as derived from fossil fuels the availability of LPG is limited in the middle-term and long-term conflicts may arise due to increasing demand of LPG from different sectors. The escalation of such conflicts should be avoided increased usage may lead to the proliferation of fracking and oil extraction in Antarctica

Table 2. Overview of the most important barriers to LPG supply

Further Information:

Kerosene to LP Gas Conversion Programme in Indonesia

This case study from Indonesia presents the experiences from shifting from Kerosene to LPG.

GACC Reports and Research

This website contains publications of 'Global Alliance on Clean Cook stoves.

Senegal: Best Practice Case Studies

This case study documents the experiences of a programme which aimed to increase LPG-usage in Senegal.

Activities of international Organisations
1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is developing a regional project which, as part of the SE4All-Initiative, enables access to modern cooking fuels for 500,000 households. With partners from the private sector and local NGOs, mainly Asia is targeted to reduce existing barriers which inhibit the improved supply of LPG. Activates to improve LPG supply are identified as action plans and established through multi-stakeholder meetings and market surveys. Through dialogue and facilitation of cooperation with the relevant actors, strategies to enable market developments are devised. The initiative is presented in a Vimeo video: 500.000 Smoke Free Households

World LPG Association (WLPGA)

WLPGA is an interest group of the global LPG industry. Its goal is to increase the demand of LPG and establish good business practice and safety standards. Through lobbying, knowledge management and consulting, the group increases LPG consumption and enhances market development.

In 2012, WLPGA started the 'Cooking for Life' campaign. Its goal is to to enable one billion people access to LPG as a cooking fuel by 2030. The campaign involves government representatives, representatives from the health sector, energy industry and NGOs. Next to the prevention of 500,000 deaths per year due to 'indoor air pollution', the campaign states that it protects 2.65 million hectares of forest (this equals 51% of global annual deforestation).
To this end different resources and approaches are made available. Experiences of successful programmes should be made accessible and communicated. More information is available on the website of the campaign: Cooking for Life

Global LPG Partnership (GLPGP)

GLPGP is a partner of the VN (UN?)-Initiative SE4All. The partnership was developed by ETG, a LPG industry company considered by WLPGA, a national LPG company and various other actors. A global private-public partnership was chosen as a structure for this partnership. The goal of the partnership is to work on the political requirements for investments which ensures a reliable LPG supply in developing countries.

The implementation of GLPGP starts in Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Initially, a capital fund of 250 million US $, as well as 250 million US $ credit for investments is made available. This fund is enhanced through a 250 million US $ concessional fund which targets the financing and building of local trading networks. These funds should provide access to LPG for ca. 70 million people and create 150.000 new jobs. Through this, 2% of African forests are protected annually.

More information is available on the internet website of SE4All: Global LPG Partnership

'Liquefied Petroleum'Gas (LPG)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is seen as a clean and environmentally-friendly source of energy. As an energy source for cooking it can improve the health of the 2.6 billion people who currently use traditional stoves burning biomass.

The potential of LPG as an alternative fuel for stoves was already identified in 2001 in a joint study of the World Bank and the World LPG Association (WLPGA). In the preface they describe the potential of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for an improved supply in developing countries in the following way:

„Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a clean and environmentally-friendly source of energy. To protect the environment LPG could be made available to replace wood and biomass in all households in all developing countries.” (World Bank und WLPGA, 2001)

LPG currently plays in an important role in the strategies of many approaches which aim to improve the supply of cooking fuels. To estimate the long-term potential of LPG in the cooking energy sector, this article presents the most important aspects regarding LPG as well as LPG as cooking fuel in low-income households.
At the end of each chapter further links provide a deeper insight into each of the presented topics. Focussing on low-income income countries, the presented information should enable the reader to judge possible implementations of LPG as a cooking fuel.

LPC general
1. What is LPG?
2. Supply and Demand of LPG

Four aspects regarding supply
1. How is LPG produced?
  1. LPG from petroleum gas and petroleum
  2. LPG from the refinery process
2. How much LPG is produced?
3. Where is LPG produced?
4. How much LPG will be available in the future?

Two aspects regarding demand
1. How much LPG is consumed where?
2. What is LPG used for?

Relationship between demand and supply
Supply routes of LPG

LPG as a cooking fuel for low-income households
1. General factors concerning the choice of cooking fuels
2. cooking systems using LPG
3. Advantages and disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel for low-income households

Advantages of LPG as a cooking fuel
1. Health
2. Environmental impact
3. Further improvements

Disadvantages of LPG as a cooking fuel
1. Availability
2. Costs
  1. Costs of developing the market/ Infrastructure investments
  2. Initiating costs for the consumer
  3. Running costs for the consumer
  4. Insecurities regarding price development

Table summarizing advantages and disadvantages

LPG as a cooking fuel for low-income households

Challenges for an improved supply of cooking fuels through LGP
1. Administration
2. Availability
3. Affordability
  1. Subsidising initial costs
  2. Subsidising running costs
  3. Who pays the subsidies?
  4. Guidelines of subsidies
4. Awareness
5. Security of supply
  1. Short and middle-term security of supply for low-income households
  2. Long-term security of supply for low-income households
Table summarizing challenges

Activities of international Organisations
1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
2. World LPG Association (WLPGA)
3. Global LPG Partnership (GLPGP)

LPG General

What is LPG?

LPG stands for 'Liquefied Petroleum Gas' denoting mainly propane, butane and mixes of the two. These hydrocarbons are sourced during petroleum extraction and its refining process and thus count as fossil fuels.

Under normal atmospheric conditions LPG is a colourless and odourless gas. Under pressure LPG turns liquid. This process leads to the reduction of the volume to 1/260 of the gaseous aggregate state.

In relation to other fuels the energy density of LPG (27.5 MJ/kg) is high (10-times higher than wood). As a result transport and storage of LGP is easier than it is for wood (Practical Action, 2003).

Liquefied Gas is heavier than air and can therefore create a 'lake' on the ground. To prevent explosions and to recognise leakages, it is common practice that odorous substances are mixed into the gas.

Further Information:

Multiple Household Cooking Fuels

These factsheets present different characteristics of different cooking fuels

What’s the difference between CNG, LNG, LPG and Hydrogen?

An article about the differences between Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and hydrogen.

Deutscher Verband Flüssiggas e.V.

This website (German) of the German Association of Liquid Gas communicates news information and events.

Supply and Demand of LPG

A. Four aspects regarding supply

How is LPG produced?

LPG is a by-product of the fossil fuel industry; it is separated during petroleum and gas extraction as well as during raw oil refining where it is separated from other types of energy (heavy oil, diesel etc.).

45% of global LPG production is a product of the refinery process. The remaining 55% of LPG stocks are separated as accompanying products during oil and gas extraction.

a. LPG from petroleum gas and oil extraction (55%)

Depending on its origin petroleum gas is made up of varying mixes of gases and liquids. Because commercially used petroleum gas should mainly consist of methane, the extracted gas needs to be cleaned. In this process other gases, mainly propane and butane, are removed and transformed into LPG. From 'raw petroleum gas' a total of 1-10% are separated as LPG (WLPGA, 2014).

During oil extraction LPG is found as an accompanying gas. Depending on the point of origin each ton of extracted petroleum contains 25-800 m3 accompanying gas. This is immediately put aside to stabilise the raw oil. The accompanying gases are then either processed or burnt on the spot (TAZ, 2011). Through this process approximately 140 billion m3 of potential LPG per year are immediately burnt. This equals approx. 70 million tons- (5% of global gas consumption) and a value loss of 30-35 billion USD (Roenn, 2013).

b. LPG from the refining process (45%)

In oil and gas refineries LPG is separated from other derivatives (see Image 1). Commonly LPG is 4-5% of the total raw oil. Depending on the quality of the raw oil, the technical standard of a given refinery, as well as of market prices of propane and butane the value can sink to 1% in relation to other oil products (WLPGA, 2014).

How much LPG is produced?

In 2008, 230 million tons of LPG were made available. In 2012, global production rose to 274 million tons (19% increase).

Between 2011 and 2012 production rose another 3%. This growth that can almost exclusively be attributed to the gas extraction sector- whose LPG production capacities grew 6%. This especially includes the US-led expansion of shale gas extraction 'fracking'- since the expansion of 'fracking' US LPG production rose by 8%. (Leija and Gist, 2013).

Where is LPG produced?

For a long time North America was the largest LPG producer. By now the Middle East is the leading LPG producing region. There, local processing capacities from oil or gas to LPG were strengthened substantially in the last couple of years. In 2012, 67 million tons of LPG were produced (see Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Regional LPG production in million tons 2002-12 (Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas 2013.pdf Argus, 2013)

In the next couple of years, North American production capacities are due to grow further due to shale gas expansion (PR Newswire, 2013). It is further estimated that production will also rise in West Africa, Australia, Russia and China (Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas 2013.pdf Argus, 2013). This increase is mainly enabled through the development of refineries.

How much LPG will be available in the future?

As a by-product of the oil production, the supply of LPG is contingent of the extraction of fossil fuels. As oil extraction rises, an increased production of LPG becomes possible. As it falls, LPG availability will also fall. Larger production capacities may open up from the discovery of new oil fields in Antarctica or from the extraction of shale gas. Nevertheless, this involves large environmental risks and it thus controversial.

More LPG may be exploited through using the presently burnt accompanying gases during oil or gas extraction. This currently adds up to 70 million tons. The technology to exploit LPG from accompanying gases exist. First attempts to power villages from such accompanying gases are run by High Impact Opportunities as part as SE4All.

Two aspects regarding demand
1. How much LPG is consumed where?

In 2008, global LPG consumption was 230 million tons. By 2012, consumption rose to 265 million tons.

The largest proportion of the increase can be attributed to the Asian-Pacific region (see Fig. 3). There, between 2000 and 2010, consumption rose from 58,000 million tons to 80,000 million tons. In 2011 the Asian-Pacific region already made up 35% of global consumption. Until 2018 annual growth rates of 4.8% are anticipated (PR Newswire, 2013).

Fig. 3: Global LPG consumption from 2002-2012 (adapted from Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas 2013.pdf Argus, 2013)

Regarding individual countries, China is the leading LPG consumer consuming 13.3 million tons, followed by India consuming 9.9 million tons. USA, Mexico and Brazil consume 7.5, 6.3 and 5 million tons of LPG per year.

What is LPG used for?

There are more than 2000 different uses for LPG. Globally most consumption occurs at the household level (49%), followed by petrochemical usages (21.6%), industrial usages (11.8%), direct consumption in refineries and finally the agricultural sector (2%): Other sectors as e.g.: liquefied gas (Auto gas) add to 9.3% of total consumption (Stealthgas, 2013).

In industrial countries LPG is used for the following purposes:

Heating and Cooking- especially in locations that are not connected to local gas distribution systems.
'Car gas'. Consumption of car gas is enhanced through low taxes. In 2008, more that 13 million cars ran on LPG globally. Industries are currently promoting the spread of car gas.
Furthermore, LPG is used for cooling and in the Petrochemical industry. To this end, petrochemical industries use e.g.: the process of propane dehydration to produce propene. Propane is used as a component to produce plastic. (LPGas, 2013).

In developing countries LPG is popular as a cooking fuel. Users are predominately urban-dwellers in places where there is a supply network and people have the high disposable income necessary for acquisition cost and running fuel costs.

Relationship between demand and supply

Since 2007 global production capacity of LPG is growing faster than demand: In 2012, there was 9.7 million tons of excess LPG. This gap is widening. In 2012, for example, consumption rose by 2% while production rose by 3 %.

Despite the excess amounts produced, LPG is scarce in many regions- especially in rural areas of developing countries (see e.g.: Chandra, 2010). This is mainly due to lacking supply networks, which are not able to supply centres of demand with the excess LPG.

The excess amount of LPG is thus often further processed. LPG is used in petrochemical industries or in the production of Liquid Natural Gas, as transportation into other markets was either not possible or viable (Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas2013.pdf Argus, 2013).

Further Information:

Paper/Statistical Review of Global LP Gas2013.pdf Statistical Review of LP Gas

Short overview of results of statistical research of Argus and WLPGA concerning the production and consumption of LPG.

Indian LPG Market Prospects

A PowerPoint presentation on plans of the Indian government concerning LPG consumption and development.

Residential Market for LPG: A Review of Experience of 20 Developing Countries

A World Bank sponsored study of LPG markets in 20 different countries.

Global Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Market is Expected to Reach USD 266.41 Billion in 2018: Transparency Market Research

Short overview of results of a market survey by Transparency Market Research about the future development of LPG markets.

List of Publications of the World LPG Associations

Gas Flaring - Warum Ölkonzerne auf Klimaschutz pfeifen

Documentary (in German) about gas flaring and technical solutions to extract accompanying gases.

Supply routes of LPG