Natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and liquified natural gas (LNG) are made up of the same elements in different quantities.

As a result, they differ in density, energy content, storage needs, combustion requirements, and delivery methods.

Natural gas is piped into residential, commercial, and industrial properties, whilst LPG is often supplied via gas cylinders.

Natural Gas vs LPG vs LNG

• Natural gas is primarily methane (CH4, or one carbon and 4 hydrogens),
• LPG can be purchased in two forms depending on the user’s need; as propane (C3H8, or three carbons and eight hydrogens) or as butane (C4H10, or 4 carbons and 10 hydrogens),
• The primary component of LNG is methane (CH4, or one carbon and four hydrogens), but LNG also commonly contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen.

The natural gas network in WA

Western Australia’s natural gas network extends from Geraldton to Bunbury, so most people living between these areas can use gas from a pipeline that runs past their home or property.

If the gas pipeline network doesn’t extend to a property, those properties would need to rely on electricity or LPG cylinders for their household cooking and heating, or business operations.

Liquified natural gas

Liquified natural gas is a clear, colourless, non-toxic cryogenic liquid. It’s produced when natural gas is cooled to minus 161ºC at atmospheric pressure.

LNG is cooled to a liquid form and stored in spherical tanks, which allow it to be transported over long distances in ships or road trains.