Twenty normal vehicles to be tested after refueling with LPG

HONG KONG: In response to recent mysterious stalling of local automobiles after refueling with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at a Sinopex gas station, the government is establishing a special investigatory body to determine the cause. A report is expected in two to three months.

"We are contacting other oil companies to ensure there will be a sufficient supply of LPG," said Lewis Ho Hon-ying, chief engineer of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). "Gas is imported to Hong Kong every five to seven days. The gas supply available now should be enough for all vehicles for 10 to 20 days."

Twenty test vehicles in good condition will be examined after refueling with LPG, to look into the cause of the breakdown. The department is also examining 59 gas stations in Hong Kong randomly throughout this year, or about one to two stations per week.

Ho said more time was needed for studying the cause as it was a very critical and complicated issue that will be investigated in meticulous detail, including an examination of the LPG supply chain. After an initial check of its gas tanks and three gas stations in Tai Po, Ma On Shan and Yuen Long, Sinopex submitted its reports to EMSD, which, Ho said, complied with their ordinances. The department will continue the investigation in close contact with the oil companies and laboratories in Hong Kong.

Sinopex's gas tanks in Ma On Shan and in Laguna City are being cleaned in three days and filled with new gas in order to gain back trust from both taxi and minibus drivers. However, the drivers seem reluctant to use Sinopex's LPG again.

"No, we are not using gas from Sinopex anymore," said taxi driver Wong Kam-lun, adding, "There are still other choices like Shell, Caltex, etc."

On the other hand, Sinopex LPG is about HK$0.3 cheaper per liter and its stations are more widely distributed, he added.

"It's heavily affecting our business when the car may break down three to four times every five minutes," Wong complained.

A 24-hour hotline is available for drivers to report problems and complaints. The number is 2333 3762.

(HK Edition 01/05/2010 page1)