With 2018 seeing record fuel prices in Jamaica, Massy Gas Products Jamaica Limited (GasPro) is promoting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles.

The LPG supplier is partnering with Excel Motors located in Savanna-la-Mar to offer the solution (also called Autogas) that provides savings, improved mileage and improved performance to companies and individuals.

“GasPro is excited to lead the introduction of autogas in Jamaica. We are always looking for ways to add value to customers and to innovate. As such, we are focused on being on the front line of this potentially revolutionary initiative,” a news release quoted Rohan Ambersley, chief executive officer of Massy Gas Products.

According to Ambersley, because of the many benefits of switching to an LPG-powered car, the fuel’s market share is steadily growing worldwide with 2016 studies showing more than 10 million passenger cars in Europe powered by LPG, making it the third most popular automotive fuel on the continent.

He pointed out that LPG usage in vehicles continues to increase in Europe and is also the most popular fuel for vehicles in the Dominican Republic.

“After investing in a conversion kit to switch to an LPG-fuelled vehicle, consumers pay a much lower cost to power their vehicles. It also assists each person with reducing their carbon footprint as it is a cleaner fuel; therefore, it has a positive environmental impact. In addition to these advantages, the use of LPG leads to a reduction in maintenance and servicing costs,” he added.

Following the pilot stages of the project under which a fleet of 20 vehicles was converted from petrol to LPG, GasPro now wants to partner with major corporate companies with extensive fleets.

Excel Motors’ Managing Director Patrick Marzouca, who is executing the project in partnership with Gas Pro, is encouraging companies with fleets to invest in switching to the alternative.

“We have done 20 vehicles in test periods and the feedback in terms of return on their investment has been very positive. One entity observed profitability within two months while, for the other it was less than a month,” explained Marzouca. He further explained that the conversion kit used by Excel Motors is of the highest standards. “Our choice of kit and installation methodology is second to none,” he added.

Marzouca also commended GasPro for being “an outstanding and professional partner”.

“GasPro is knowledgeable, efficient and world-class; the kind of partner needed to carry out a project such as this,” Marzouca said.”