downtoearth-subscribe

China

Imported liquefied petroleum gas (lpg)-powered buses will ply on Beijing roads soon. The move has been directed to bring down the rising vehicular pollution and to prepare the city for hosting the forthcoming Olympic Games in 2008.

It is reported that an agreement has been signed between Beijing lpg Company and us and Japanese entrepreneurs in this regard. According to the deal, high-purity lpg will be imported from the West Asia.

Currently, there are 1.8 million buses operating in Beijing, contributing to more than 70 per cent of the environmental pollution in the city. It is believed that lpg buses will help reduce pollution by 30 to 50 per cent compared to gasoline. The cost is also expected to fall by 30 per cent.

Despite many buses in Beijing refitted to use lpg, most bus drivers continue to use gasoline because of the low quality of lpg available, few lpg supply centres and poor repair service.

Related Content