Terpel opens first LPG station in Colombia

Terpel hopes to expand its LPG network across Colombia to meet a new demand for the fuel.

Colombian oil company Terpel Organization opened the first public service station with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Colombia. This launch is part of a strategy that looks to expand and boost the use of LPG in the country.

Initially the company will provide this service in Cartagena, in the station Doña Manuela, and then expand the distribution to Bogota and Medellin, reaching other cities after that.

LPG, also known as autogas, comes from the mixture of propane, butane and other gases in smaller proportions and is characterised by its high performance, low cost and reduced emissions of polluting particles.

"With the opening of this first station in Colombia, we can proudly say that we are the only company in the country that offers all the energy sources that Colombians require to get around: liquid fuels, NGV, LPG and electricity. From Terpel we will continue to innovate in the offer of our services to meet the needs of our consumers and stay at the forefront of global energy trends," said Johand Patiño, Commercial Vice President of Terpel.

The company's announcement comes a few days after the approval of the regulation with which the Ministry of Mines and Energy gave the green light for LPG to be used in land and water transport.

"The entry of LPG into the vehicle segment will undoubtedly benefit both drivers and the environment. In the first case, owners will be able to perceive economic savings of between 30% and 35% while achieving the same power and performance as a petrol engine. In addition, this fuel provides a wide range, as for every 40 litres filled, the vehicle can travel approximately 140 kilometres. Meanwhile, the benefit for the environment is very favourable, considering that it emits 81 per cent less polluting particles and 21 per cent less CO2, thanks to its cleaner combustion process," Patiño added.

The company also announced a plan to convert 600 vehicles, with which it hopes to lead the massification of the use of this energy source by vehicle fleets. It is estimated that in Mexico there are already around 250,000 vehicles running on LPG, some 87,000 in Peru, and 20,000 in Chile.