Fuel types: the pros and cons

LPG

For: LPG vehicles emit between 10 and 15 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions than petrol vehicles and create only 20 per cent of petrol's air toxic emissions. LPG is also cleaner than diesel, emitting far fewer particulates. LPG is cheaper than both diesel and petrol. The Federal Government has incentives of up to $2000 to switch from petrol to gas. As a gas, LPG does not produce land and water pollution. Australia has abundant resources of LPG.

Against: LPG is a less efficient fuel than petrol. An LPG Falcon uses 15.1 litres/100km, compared with 10.7L/100km for the petrol version. LPG versions of the Toyota Aurion and Holden Commodore are $4400 and $3900 respectively more expensive than their petrol equivalents. LPG engines are generally not as responsive as petrol engines, while the tanks take up boot space.