Autogas usage increases, but safety concerns remain

NONOY drives a taxi for a living for 10 years now, the last six months aboard an LPG-powered cab. Like most taxi drivers who are using auto-LPG, Nonoy is now earning more owing to the low price of LPG compared to petrol and diesel. "Pagdating sa kita, nakatipid kami dahil sa taas ng gasolina," Nonoy said. Some taxi drivers take home as much as P1,000 day compared to the P500 they earned when they were using petrol. LPG costs almost half the price of gasoline. (see table) Fuel comparative prices as of August 29, 2006 (per liter, in Philippine peso)

Gas	45.24
Diesel	37.74
LPG	25.31 (average, P475 to P521 per 11kg)
Source: DOE

Although auto-LPG gets less mileage than gasoline, overall its cost per kilometer is still much lower. (see table) Fuel mileage (based on August 29 rates)

Fuel	Mileage	Cost
Gasoline	10km/li	P4.52/km
Auto-LPG	7km/li	P3.62/km
Source: DOE, ATOMM

For the government, auto-LPG aptly came amid the escalating prices of petroleum and diesel. "We support the use of liquefied petroleum gas in the transport sector primarily because it lessens the impact of the continuous increase in fuel prices. It is aligned to the concept of providing continuous supply of energy to our public," said Mario Marasigan, director of the Department of Energy’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau. The benefits, the government said, go beyond cushioning the effects of the oil price hikes. Studies show that auto-LPG is good for the environment because it is cleaner than conventional fuels. Compared with gasoline-fueled vehicles, LPG typically has around 20-percent less ozone-forming potential, a measure of its tendency to generate photochemical smog, which causes cancer and respiratory problems. LPG also has at least 15-percent lower greenhouse gas emissions and up to 80-percent less toxic emissions. The DOE said LPG-driven vehicles have a lower maintenance cost than petrol-driven or diesel-driven vehicles. A 1997 study on LPG as fuel for vehicles conducted by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong notes that LPG as a gas does not wash lubricant from the cylinder walls of the engine as gasoline and diesel do. The cleaner burning characteristics of LPG also reduce maintenance requirements and cost, the study said. The DOE said LPG-run vehicles also noted minimized pilferage, lesser engine vibration and a power output and torque comparable with petrol engines. LPG vehicles may be traveling 20-percent less the distance covered by their petrol or diesel counterparts but in the long run taxi drivers still have savings. The benefits of LPG in vehicles have been recognized worldwide. The World LP Gas Association said more than 10 million vehicles run on autogas in more than 40 countries. Countries leading the way in the use of automotive LPG include South Korea, Japan, Australia, Turkey, and Italy. Also ranking in the top ten, according to the WLPGA, are Mexico, the United States, Poland, the Russian Federation, and the Netherlands. Here, the DOE estimates 4,000 to 7,000 taxis running on LPG in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The number is growing. Naiadss Corp., an autogas conversion firm and refilling station, claims to convert a minimum of 40 taxis a day in Metro Manila. Philip de Sagun, Naiadss vice president, said the company converted almost 5,000 units including those from such big names as Valenzuela, Wallis, DAC and Ken. Naiadss said 5 percent of their clients are private vehicles, whose owners probably saw the advantage in driving a bifuel vehicle. The dual fuel system enables the driver to switch between LPG and gasoline anytime. And even if LPG kits are expensive, it is still cheaper than buying a new fuel-efficient car. In April, President Arroyo instructed the Development Bank of the Philippines to give financial assistance to individual taxi drivers who wish to convert to auto-LPG. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board also gives an additional three years in the franchise of taxi operators who convert to LPG, extending the validity period of their certificates of public convenience from five to eight years. (see document) Dizzy drivers But immediately after the first use of LPG came a rash of complaints. "Pag may singaw yan, nangangamoy talaga. Parang nahihilo ako ng konti. Minsan nga para akong tatrangkasuhin," Nonoy said. There is loose talk among taxi drivers that certain colleagues died because of LPG inhalation. The aversion to LPG vehicles has reached the riding public. Certain taxi drivers noted that some passengers refuse auto-LPG cabs. "Para daw may nagluluto sa loob," a cabbie said. LPG is composed of propane, a natural asphyxiant. This means that at very high levels, it will displace oxygen. LPG is thus dangerous when allowed to accumulate in enclosed areas such as tunnels, enclosed car parks and enclosed garages. LPG vehicles are not allowed to use several tunnels connecting New York City to New Jersey and they are not allowed in Boston areas in the US. LPG is colorless and odorless so a pungent smell (ethanethiol or ethyl mercaptan) is added so it can be easily detected in case of leakage. Mercaptan is toxic and in large doses will cause headaches, nausea, and a lack of coordination, as well as liver and kidney damage. Dr. Teresita Cucueco of the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Center said the smell of mercaptan inside LPG-run taxis could mean that the car is ill-maintained. But she noted that taxi drivers should not easily blame mercaptan for the headaches they have been experiencing aboard auto-LPG cabs. The headaches may be caused by pollutants in the recirculated air inside their vehicles. The physiological problems of the drivers could also be the culprit. And since the vehicles still run on gasoline, there is a possibility that the other gas caused the headaches. "Maraming pwedeng maging cause ng sumasakit ang ulo," Cucueco said. "So let us check all possible causes — the vehicle including the air condition, the health of the driver, etc. It’s really difficult to say na LPG yan." Leonora Naval, president of the 100-member-strong Association of Taxi Operators and Drivers in Metro Manila (Atomm), said the drivers who complain of headaches only have themselves to blame. "They should report any leaks. They should return their units to the conversion centers for a checkup. We need good, considerate drivers," Naval said. Some 750 or one-fourth of the 3,000 taxi units of Atomm members converted to auto-LPG. Atomm officials are encouraging members to convert their units. Naval said her group has yet to receive a formal complaint from drivers of auto-LPG cabs. "Naging bulong-bulungan na humihina daw yung baga ng driver dahil sa LPG. Papano hihina agad ang kanilang baga e bago pa lang iniinstila?"NOo rules But who would say if the conversion is correct? Or if the cylinder is safe? Without clear-cut guidelines on the use of auto-LPG, the government has no means to identify -- and punish-- industry players. Auto-LPG vehicles began roaming Metro Manila streets last year but it is only now that government agencies are updating the rules on industry players. On July 25, the Department of Energy issued a memorandum requiring all operators of auto-LPG dispensing stations to report their activities. (see attachment) Most LPG players are involved in the flourishing auto-LPG industry as bulk suppliers or operators of refueling stations. The DOE pointed out that operators of auto-LPG dispensing pumps should not fill up cylinders for household use to ensure safety. At present, auto-LPG cylinders are governed by PNS (Philippine National Standards) 04 and PNS 05, both issued in 1983. Both deal with the specifications of gas cylinders for auto-LPG and the code of practice for its use. Camille Castillo, media relations officer of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Product Standards, said the 1983 PNS will become obsolete once the new standards are enacted into law. Government agencies are currently updating the standards to include not only the cylinders but road vehicles (conversion process) and dispensing stations as well. DTI relies on the old PNS in issuing licenses to cylinder manufacturers. At present only Naiadss cylinders have Philippine Standard license. Castillo said the existing standards do not ensure compliance from the players. Nor would it enable the government to regulate or monitor the market. An official of the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau agreed: "There are still no rules on registration. Wala pang pwedeng sabihing accredited ng government," said EUMB’s Vilma Co. "Walang ngipin ang government para i-identify kung sinong gumagawa ng tama at hindi. So wala pa ring powers para manghuli, magbawal, at magpasara ng conversion center or dispensing station," she said. Those who wish to sue could invoke provisions of the DOE, DTI-Bureau of Product Standards, DENR-Environment Management Bureau, the Fire Code, the Local Government Code or Building Code. DTI, DOE and the other government agencies concerned seek to put in place a regulatory framework through the new PNS. The DOE Alternative Fuel Division said the draft regulation on auto-LPG is undergoing "stakeholder consultations" or public hearings at press time. Afterward, the promulgation process will start. The new regulations are expected to introduce measure in enhancing safety in using auto-LPG including handling of LPG, use of LPG vehicles and the design and construction of LPG fuel tanks. Other countries have also imposed restrictions on LPG refueling stations and requirements for regular inspection of LPG vehicles and proper training of personnel handling LPG.Fly-by-night Naiadss’s De Sagun said that fly-by-night operators are starting to ply their trade using second-hand cylinders. "This is very dangerous because the tank and the conversion have their life span," De Sagun said. He noted that second-hand cylinders should not be used because they could explode anytime. DOE’s Marasigan said there were also reports that some small-time auto repair shops convert vehicles. Fly-by-night shops sold conversion kits below the P22,000 to P60,000 range of "original" kits. "If it is cheaper than that, mag-isip ka na. baka second-hand yung components," Marasigan said. Until the new rules take effect, the Energy Utilization Management Bureau said the public should convert their vehicles only to shops accredited by the oil companies. De Sagun also reminded the public that not all vehicles can be converted. Vehicles for conversion should at least be a 1998 model and should pass a compression test. The vehicle’s cooling system and mechanical and electrical condition should be okay. Whether auto-LPG is the next best thing in Philippine transport remains to be seen, said Manny Camagay of the University of the Philippines’ National Center for Transport Studies. "We in the academe support the use of LPG as an alternative. But we have not really zeroed in on the negative impacts. There’s not much study on LPG regarding health or environmental impacts," Camagay said. "When it’s cheaper, baka mas marami nga yung negative health impacts," he said. But Camagay noted that the use of auto-LPG has been in practice for many years in developed countries. "There was no withdrawal of technology. It is still being used, especially for public transport," he said. Still, at least two taxi operators also downplayed the flaunted efficiency of LPG taxis. "It’s not convenient -- mabagal ang pickup, madaling masira ang makina kase pwersado," said Mr. Corpus, operator of the Lady Armie, Lady Bernadette and Marvilyn taxis. Mr. Lido of Mangaliman taxis said he has no plans of converting his six taxi units. "Hindi designed sa makina ng sasakyan ang LPG. Nasisira. Hindi makaahon sa matarik," he said. Besides, he noted, petrol prices continue to slide down. For many drivers, gasoline is still the old reliable choice. Nonoy said, "Kung mababa yung gas e di sa gas na ’ko kesa sa LPG. Sa gasoline parang mas safe ka, dito parang maraming reklamo." (With Richelle Joyce Figueroa)