The availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is rapidly diminishing across the Illawarra region, prompting concerns among drivers reliant on this fuel. Prominent local mechanic Larry Mulder, who has been in business since 1962, has witnessed a significant decline in LPG usage and availability over the past two decades.
Shift in LPG Demand and Availability
Once a popular choice for cost-conscious drivers, the interest in LPG conversions surged in the early 2000s, particularly after the Australian government introduced a $2,000 grant for converting vehicles from petrol to LPG in 2006. At that time, the cost of LPG was approximately 50 cents per litre, while petrol prices steadily increased. Mulder recalls an era when his workshop was bustling with activity, stating, “I probably would have done about 3,500 conversions.” He noted that he even serviced many taxis in the area, employing three workers to meet the high demand.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has drastically changed. Mulder’s workshop, located in Keiraville, has seen fewer cars using LPG, leading to a reduction in available service stations. The local service station that previously housed a 12,000-litre LPG tank removed it due to high maintenance costs. “It was going to cost me more than the profit I was going to make on the sale of gas,” Mulder explained, leading him to decide against retaining the tank.
Current Situation for LPG Users
As a result of this decline, PETROL SPY, a fuel price-checking application, reports that only five petrol stations in the Illawarra currently offer LPG. Mulder has noted an increase in inquiries from customers asking, “Where can I get gas?” He shared that, as of now, there is no LPG available in Wollongong, forcing drivers to travel to Dapto to find fuel. “You used to have these guides which would tell you where you could buy LPG,” he lamented.
Mulder draws parallels between the challenges faced by LPG drivers and those of electric vehicle owners regarding “range anxiety.” He expressed concern for users of dedicated gas-only vehicles, stating, “What are they going to do?” In reflecting on the shift towards electric vehicles, Mulder noted that initial enthusiasm for climate-friendly options might be waning as practical challenges become more apparent.
Mulder, who initially advocated for LPG due to its cleaner emissions, hopes that increased demand will prompt more service stations to reintroduce LPG. He empathizes with the drivers who have invested in gas-only vehicles, suggesting they may feel misled by past government incentives. “I feel sorry for these people; they went through all that, but it’s almost like the government conned them in a way,” he said.
As this situation unfolds, the future of LPG in the Illawarra remains uncertain, placing additional pressure on drivers who rely on this fuel source. The community and local businesses will be closely watching developments to see if the demand for LPG leads to a revival in availability.
