LPG vs. LNG
Composition, Uses, and Pricing
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) are frequently confused but are chemically and functionally distinct. LPG is a mixture of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀), by-products of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, stored as liquid under moderate pressure at room temperature. It is used primarily for cooking (domestic and commercial cylinders) and industrial heating. LNG is methane (CH₄) — natural gas — cooled to -162°C to reduce volume for transport; it is used for power generation, industrial feedstock, and city gas distribution (CNG). Both are priced in international markets in relation to crude oil benchmarks.
- LPG is stored in pressurised cylinders; domestic cylinders in India are 14.2 kg; commercial cylinders are 19 kg.
- LNG is stored in cryogenic tanks and must be regasified before use; India imports LNG at Dahej (Gujarat), Hazira (Gujarat), Dabhol (Maharashtra), Kochi (Kerala), and Ennore (Tamil Nadu) terminals.
- India's LNG imports in 2024-25 exceeded 25 million tonnes, primarily from Qatar, the USA, and Australia.
- Key distinction for UPSC: LPG = cooking fuel (cylinders); LNG = industrial fuel and power (pipelines and CNG after regasification).
● Tracked since March 07, 2026 · last seen April 15, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes