HONG KONG: The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is about to launch its testing program in order to find out whether the recent causes of break-downs involving taxis and minibuses have anything to do with the LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) fuel or allied services they use.

Three working groups have been established to investigate the cause of breakdowns, Deputy Director of EMSD Frank Chan said.

One will examine the supply chain, another will look into LPG stations and the last will investigate the design, operation and maintenance of LPG vehicles.

At the first meeting of the special investigatory team yesterday, the EMSD reported initial findings, which include LPG import records, sample collection and other related documents.

There are several possible reasons for the spate of breakdowns, according to the department. Candidate causes include the quality of the LPG, e.g., contamination; whether there were any issues with the affected vehicles' operation and maintenance; and whether there were germane problems with LPG supply equipment.

After the meeting, Chan said a comprehensive trial is imminent. Twenty-eight vehicles will be volunteered for the trial. Each of the seven LPG suppliers will provide two filling stations to supply fuels for the above-mentioned vehicles. The trial is expected to last three months.

The 28 vehicles will be provided free LPG supplies at designated gas stations. Mileage and statistics related to the vehicles performance will be sent to the EMSD for analysis.

As of 8 pm yesterday, a total of 13 breakdown reports of LPG vehicles were received, the EMSD reported.

(HK Edition 01/07/2010 page1)