Within Australia and around the world, natural and LP gas is supplied to homes, businesses and industries. Although both perform similar tasks, they have different chemical properties.

Natural gas

Natural gas is an odorless, colorless fossil fuel consisting primarily of methane that has formed over hundreds of millions of years from plankton and decaying plant matter that was buried by sediment over a period of time.

Natural gas is distributed to homes and businesses through a network of underground pipelines. It is used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes, as well as in the transportation industry. It is safe, efficient and reliable.

LPG

LP or Liquefied Petroleum Gas has a different chemical makeup than natural gas and is primarily made up of butane and/or propane. It is produced during the oil refining process or extracted during the natural gas production process. LP gas is stored under moderate pressures in liquid form.

This makes it safe for transport and for storage in a concentrated form. For homes and businesses not connected to a natural gas supply, LP gas is a cost-effective energy source because it is easy to transport and store.

Safety with natural and LP gas: some practical advice

In Australia, if you smell gas on your street, property or home, call 000 or 132771 immediately.

If the gas leak is on your property or in your home, you must turn off the gas at your meter or gas cylinder. Turn off all appliances and pilot lights.

If it is safe to do so, open all doors and windows for ventilation. Call a licensed gas fitter to attend to your problem.

Make sure your gas cylinder is tested and sealed by a qualified service person at least every 10 years.

Store gasoline, flammable liquids, or aerosols away from cylinders. Store cylinders in the shade away from direct sunlight.

Do not use your barbecue indoors or in a confined space.

Keep gas meters and pressure regulators in a safe and damage-free condition.

Be careful when using lawn mowers, brushcutters or digging in the garden so as not to damage the gas pipe. Dial 1100 before digging. This is a free service that provides information on most of the underground networks in Australia.