L.P.G. supply to improve

Press, 21 October 1983, Page 5

L.P.G. supply to improve

Parliamentary reporter

Problems faced by key South Island L.P.G. users should be over within a few days, said the Minister of Energy, Mr Birch, yesterday. The Railways Corporation confirmed two days ago that alterations were being made to the rail ferry Arahanga, and that the vessel would sail soon with tanks on board.

L.P.G. sources and shipping sources said that two sailings a day with three tanks a sailing seemed most likely. One sailing a day is expected to have begun by next week. Mr Birch said he was “tremendously impressed”

with the corporation’s response, and “delighted.” Although the supply of liquefied petroleum gas would be tight for a week or so, problems for key users should be over in a few days, he said. He could well understand the frustration felt by L.P.G. distributors and bulk users in the South Island, such as Crown Glass, Ltd, and A.H.I. Metal Containers in Christchurch, and Nelson City Council L.P.G. customers.

The possibility of disruptions to the supply to the South Island would continue until the opening of the first Liquigas bulk storage depot in Dunedin in February, he said.