Transport of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) comes mainly from gas fields, with about 30% derived from the refining of crude oil. When crude oil is heated, various hydrocarbons are produced, including approximately 2 to 3% LPG, which is lighter than pentanes, hexanes, and octanes, but heavier than methane and ethane. LPG is then stored in above-ground tanks, underground storage facilities, or caverns, and subsequently transported to the end customer.

Energy is essential to our modern way of life. It is, in fact, vital for transportation, cooking, and heating. As a true source of everyday energy, liquefied petroleum gases have been part of the daily lives of 11 million people in France for over 80 years, as well as around the world. Their many uses, ease of access, and environmental benefits continue to make them a key energy source for today and tomorrow.

Available at more than 55,000 retail locations in France or delivered directly to your home, LPG is accessible even in the most remote areas. The numerous storage facilities ensure that resources are always available to maintain a continuous supply, regardless of location or consumption levels.

In the 27,000 municipalities where natural gas is not available—in rural areas, mountainous regions, or on islands, for example—LPG meets all energy needs, thanks to its availability in the form of above-ground or underground tanks in the yard, cylinders, or piped networks. The installation setup varies depending on the materials and equipment used.

The LPG consumed in Europe comes mainly from the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Mediterranean region.

From extraction and storage to end-use, the various stages of LPG transportation are essential. They fulfill a critical need for the entire LPG industry: ensuring a steady, uninterrupted, and safe supply to customers. This article explains what LPG is, the forms in which it is packaged, and the methods used to transport it. It then details the key players in the industry, as well as the applicable regulations and the training required to ensure the safe transport of LPG.

Nevertheless, incidents can still occur, and we will provide an overview of recent accidents as well as the measures available to mitigate their consequences.

Finally, developments between 2012 and 2023—including the authorization of 44-ton trucks under the Highway Code and the introduction of tankers equipped with valves—as well as specific examples of challenges encountered will be detailed.