Gas has become one of the most essential energy sources today, not just for daily household use, but also for industrial purposes. However, many people are still confused about the difference between two commonly used types of gas: LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
At first glance, they may seem similar since both are in liquid form, but in reality, they have quite a few significant differences.
Let’s break down the main differences between LPG and LNG so you’ll know exactly what sets them apart and where each is used.
What is LPG and LNG?
We are very familiar in our daily lives with the terms Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which are often used as important energy sources.
These two hydrocarbon gases, also frequently used in industry as fuel, are often considered the same, even though there are fundamental differences between LPG and LNG.
The importance of knowledge about these two types of hydrocarbon gases will help us understand their economic and environmental implications, as well as enable us to determine the appropriate applications.
Key Differences Between LPG and LNG You Should Know
Although both LPG and LNG are used as energy sources and exist in liquefied gas form, they differ in several important aspects.
From their chemical composition and storage methods to how they’re used, each has its own characteristics.
Understanding these differences is essential to ensure we use the right type of gas for the right purpose and environmental conditions.
1. Composition and Sources of Raw Materials
The fundamental difference between LPG and LNG lies in their chemical composition. As the name suggests, LPG is a mixture of liquefied hydrocarbon gases, primarily propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀), with varying ratios depending on the season and the source.
Occasionally, small amounts of other hydrocarbons like ethane and pentane may also be present. LNG, on the other hand, consists almost entirely of methane (CH₄), typically making up more than 90% of its content.
Trace amounts of ethane, propane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide may be found as well, but in much smaller quantities than in LPG.
This distinct difference in composition significantly influences the physical and chemical properties of each fuel.
2. LPG and LNG Liquefaction Process
If we look at the uses and user sectors of LPG and LNG, there are so many things we need to understand. Here is a table of uses and user sectors of LPG and LNG to make it easier to understand.
| Feature | LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) | LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) |
| Main Uses | – Cooking (households) | – Power generation |
| – Water heating (households) | – Large-scale industrial needs | |
| – Vehicle fuel (autogas) | – City gas networks | |
| – Heating and drying processes (industry) | – Vehicle fuel (LNG trucks – still developing) | |
| – Petrochemical feedstock | ||
| User Sectors | – Households | – Power generation industry |
| – Transportation (vehicles) | – Large-scale manufacturing industries | |
| – Industry | – Gas distribution companies | |
| Packaging & Distribution | – Pressurized gas cylinders | – Tanker ships (long-distance transportation) |
| – Pressurized tanks | – Regasification terminals (for converting back to gas) | |
| – Easy to store and transport for various scales | – Distributed via pipelines after regasification | |
| Environmental Advantages | – Cleaner compared to liquid/solid fossil fuels | – Cleaner compared to liquid/solid fossil fuels |
| Combustion Emissions | – Produces higher CO2 emissions per unit of energy than LNG | – Produces lower CO2 emissions per unit of energy than LPG |
| Potential Environmental Risks | – Relatively lower | – Potential methane leaks (greenhouse gas stronger than CO2) |
| Handling | – More practical for various scales of needs | – Requires very careful handling and transportation |
From the table above, it can be understood that LPG has wider uses, namely for household needs (cooking, water heating), transportation (autogas), industry (heating, drying), and petrochemical raw materials. The LPG type itself is distributed in pressurized cylinders or tanks, making it practical for various user scales.
Meanwhile, LNG type gas is generally used for large-scale applications, such as power plants, large industries, and city gas networks. Its distribution also requires tankers for long-distance transportation and regasification terminals before finally being distributed through pipes, although its use as vehicle fuel (LNG trucks) is starting to grow.
3. Uses and User Sectors of LPG and LNG
Let’s now take a look at how LPG and LNG are used in different sectors. LPG has a broader and more diverse range of applications.
It’s commonly found in gas cylinders for household purposes such as cooking and water heating, and is also used as a vehicle fuel (autogas), in industrial processes for heating and drying, and as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry
Packaged in pressurized cylinders or tanks, LPG is easy to store and transport, making it practical for various scales of use.
LNG, on the other hand, is typically reserved for large-scale applications. It is transported via specialized tankers to reach regions not connected by pipelines.
Once delivered to regasification terminals, LNG is converted back into gas and distributed through pipelines for power generation, large-scale industrial use, and even urban gas networks. While LNG is increasingly being used as a fuel for vehicles—such as trucks—it’s still less commonly adopted for private vehicles compared to LPG.
From an environmental perspective, both are cleaner-burning fuels than coal or oil. However, they differ in the emissions produced during combustion.
Methane, the primary component of LNG, generates less carbon dioxide (CO₂) per unit of energy compared to propane and butane, the main components of LPG.
That said, it’s important to note that methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO₂ if released into the atmosphere before combustion. For this reason, LNG must be handled and transported with great care to minimize the risk of methane leakage.
4. Security and Efficiency
In terms of safety, both LPG and LNG have risks that need to be managed properly. LPG is heavier than air, so if a leak occurs, the gas will tend to accumulate in low-lying areas and can pose an explosion risk if exposed to an ignition source.
Conversely, LNG is lighter than air, so if a leak occurs, the gas will tend to disperse upwards and disappear more quickly.
However, the cryogenic temperature of LNG requires special handling to avoid the risk of cold burns upon direct contact.
LPG vs LNG Comparison Table
To make it easier to differentiate between LPG and LNG, the following table contains the differences between the two:
| Feature | LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) | LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) |
| Main Composition | Propane (C3H8), Butane (C4H10) | Methane (CH4) |
| Liquefaction Process | Cooling & Moderate Pressure | Cryogenic Cooling (-162°C) |
| Energy Density (Volumetric) | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Households, Vehicles, Small-Medium | Industries Power Generation, Large Industries, Long-Distance Transport |
| CO2 Emissions | Higher per unit of energy | Lower per unit of energy |
| Gas Density | Heavier than Air | Lighter than Air |
This wraps up the key differences between LPG and LNG. Understanding the fundamental distinctions between these two gas types allows us to make the most of their unique advantages, whether for household use or large-scale industrial applications.
As the global push for cleaner energy alternatives to petroleum continues, demand for both LPG and LNG is expected to rise.
PGN remains committed to supporting the distribution of clean energy across Indonesia and around the world. Ultimately, both fuels will play a vital role in meeting future energy needs—offering a balance of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency.
