What Is LPG Gas

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas, a type of fuel that is stored in liquid form under pressure and used for heating, cooking, and powering appliances. It’s most commonly made from propane, butane, or a mix of the two. Unlike natural gas, which is piped to homes and businesses through the mains gas network, LPG is stored in tanks or bottles and delivered by road to properties that are off the gas grid.

Because of its versatility and portability, LPG is widely used in rural homes, mobile homes, catering businesses, and industrial settings where mains gas isn’t available. It’s also used in barbecues, patio heaters, camping stoves, and some vehicles. Despite being a fossil fuel, LPG burns more cleanly than coal or oil and is considered a more efficient option for off-grid heating.

How LPG Is Stored and Supplied

LPG is compressed into a liquid to make it easier to transport and store. It’s supplied either in bottled cylinders for small-scale use or bulk tanks for whole-property supply. In homes that rely on LPG for heating and hot water, the gas is usually stored in a large tank installed above or below ground in the garden. Suppliers deliver refills by tanker, either on a scheduled basis or as needed.

In commercial settings, LPG is often used in fork-lift trucks, catering equipment, or industrial burners. It provides a high-energy output and instant heat, which makes it useful for processes that require control and consistency.

LPG vs Natural Gas

While LPG and natural gas are similar in how they’re used, they are chemically different. Natural gas is mainly composed of methane, whereas LPG is mostly propane or butane. This difference means LPG requires different appliances, regulators, and supply systems. For example, a boiler or cooker designed for natural gas cannot be used with LPG unless it has been properly converted.

LPG also burns at a higher temperature and provides more energy per unit than natural gas, which makes it a powerful fuel source. However, because it must be stored and transported, LPG can be more expensive and requires regular monitoring to ensure supply doesn’t run out.

Safety and Handling

Like all fuels, LPG must be handled with care. It’s stored under pressure and can be dangerous if equipment is damaged or leaks occur. Although LPG is naturally odourless, a chemical is added to give it a strong smell — similar to rotten eggs — so leaks can be detected quickly.

LPG appliances and supply systems must be installed and maintained by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Regular safety checks are essential, especially in properties that rely on LPG for central heating or cooking. If you use bottled LPG, you should always store cylinders upright, outdoors, and in well-ventilated spaces away from ignition sources.

Who Uses LPG in the UK

LPG is widely used in areas that are not connected to the national gas grid. This includes many rural homes, farms, static caravans, and mobile catering units. It’s also used in certain urban settings where mains gas is either unavailable or unsuitable for the application.

Some properties rely on LPG as their primary source of heating and hot water, while others use it as a backup fuel or for specific appliances. Businesses such as outdoor food stalls, builders, and travelling shows also use LPG for portable heating and cooking.

The Chemical Properties of LPG

LPG is primarily composed of propane (C₃H₈), butane (C₄H₁₀), or a blend of both. These hydrocarbons are by-products of natural gas extraction and crude oil refining. At normal temperatures and pressures, they are gases, but under modest pressure they condense into liquid — which is how they are stored and transported. This liquefied state makes LPG highly efficient in terms of volume, as it takes up far less space than it would as a gas.

When released from a cylinder or tank, LPG returns to a gas and is then ready to be burned in appliances for heat, light, or power. It has a high calorific value, meaning it releases a significant amount of energy per kilogram, which is why it's so effective for heating and cooking in off-grid locations. 

Why LPG Is Popular in Rural Homes

In parts of the UK where the mains gas network does not reach — often in rural, isolated, or hilly terrain — LPG offers a practical alternative. It allows homes to run conventional heating systems like combi boilers or hot water cylinders without needing access to the national grid.

For homeowners who don’t want the maintenance burden of oil tanks or the fluctuating cost of electricity for heating, LPG presents a middle ground. It burns more cleanly than oil, requires less space than solid fuel systems, and can support both heating and cooking with relatively little infrastructure once the tank is in place.

The Difference Between Propane and Butane

While propane and butane are both LPG gases, they behave slightly differently. Propane has a lower boiling point, which means it performs better in colder temperatures and is typically used in outdoor or residential bulk tank installations. Butane, on the other hand, is often used in indoor portable appliances and bottled gas for things like table-top heaters or camping stoves.

In the UK, most domestic LPG heating systems run on propane because it remains effective even in freezing weather. Butane is more commonly found in portable bottles for temporary or indoor use where temperature is not a concern.

Environmental Considerations

LPG is a fossil fuel, so it is not a zero-carbon energy source. However, it burns more cleanly than coal or oil and emits lower levels of particulates, sulphur, and carbon dioxide per unit of energy. For this reason, it's often promoted as a transitional fuel — cleaner than traditional heating oil but not fully renewable.

Some suppliers now offer bioLPG, a renewable version made from sustainable sources like plant waste, animal fats, or used cooking oil. BioLPG can be used in existing LPG systems without modification, offering a lower-carbon alternative for off-grid homes. Although not yet widely adopted, it represents a potential path forward for customers who want to maintain the benefits of LPG while reducing their environmental footprint.

Regulation and Safety Standards

LPG in the UK is regulated by strict safety and environmental standards. Installations must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and only Gas Safe registered engineers are permitted to work on fixed LPG appliances or pipework. Storage tanks must also meet spacing and ventilation requirements, especially for bulk tanks, to minimise the risk of fire or explosion.

In the case of portable cylinders, users must ensure they are stored upright and checked regularly for leaks. Retailers and suppliers also have obligations to maintain equipment and deliver LPG safely, including emergency procedures for leaks or suspected faults.

Final Word

LPG gas is a flexible and efficient energy source for homes and businesses that aren’t connected to the mains gas network. It can power everything from central heating systems to portable stoves, offering reliability and high performance in both domestic and commercial settings. While it requires proper storage, delivery, and safety measures, LPG remains a practical choice for off-grid energy needs across the UK.