Single L.P.G. price nearer

Press, 11 August 1979, Page 3

Single L.P.G. price nearer

PA Wellington A national distribution network for liquefied petrleum gas, providing wholesale or bulk purchase at a single price for North and South Island consumers, was being discussed by the Government, said the Minister of Energy (Mr Birch) yesterday. It was expected that L.P.G. from Maui would be available possibly as soon as February, 1981, Mr Birch said. The Government was discussing the planned network with Maui Development, Ltd. The bigger L.P.G. supply would mean that more motorists could convert their cars to this fuel. Present Kapuni supplies were “already fairly firmly committed to use.” “This year L.P.G. production will total 12,000 tonnes. During next year, Kapuni’s full potential production of 20,000 tonnes a year will be reached/’ Mr Birch said. “Further supplies of L.P.G. which has so far come from Kapuni will be limited until Maui L.P.G. becomes available.” In the meantime, prospective L.P.G. users should check with suppliers before making any decision to convert vehicles or plant. Offtakes of L.P.G. from Maui would build up gradually, possibly beginning about 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes a year, Mr Birch said. The field was estimated to have the L.P.G. potential of 400,000 tonnes a year, attainable during the 19905.