The short answer
What you need to know
LNG and LPG are different products with different handling systems. Begin with what the receiving facility can accept, then compare composition, quantity and the complete delivery basis.
- LNG is natural gas liquefied at about −162°C; LPG generally refers to propane, butanes or their mixtures.
- LPG transport can use pressure, refrigeration, or both. It is not always shipped in the same way.
- A price per tonne is not enough to compare useful energy delivered to a particular site.
Start with what is inside
LNG means liquefied natural gas. Cooling natural gas to approximately −260°F (−162°C) makes it liquid and reduces its volume to about one six-hundredth of the gaseous volume. Import terminals commonly regasify it for onward supply.
LPG means liquefied petroleum gas and commonly covers propane, butanes and their mixtures. These products can come from natural gas processing and petroleum refining. The word “petroleum” should not be read as a guarantee of a refinery-only origin.
Name the gas you need and ask for its composition. A supplier needs more detail than “gas supply” to assess suitability, logistics and price.
Sources: U.S. EIA: Liquefied natural gas explained · U.S. EIA: Where hydrocarbon gas liquids come from · U.S. EIA: Transporting and storing hydrocarbon gas liquids
The receiving system is the first filter
EIA describes LNG shipping as a cryogenic operation. It also explains that LPG cargoes can be transported under pressure, refrigeration or a combination of the two. This is why the shorthand “LNG is cold, LPG is pressurised” needs qualification.
Before requesting offers, ask the receiving operator to confirm storage, unloading connections, permitted composition and capacity. Even a well-priced cargo must be suitable for the receiving site.
| Question | LNG | LPG |
|---|---|---|
| What product? | Liquefied natural gas | Propane, butanes or a specified mix |
| What handling basis? | Cryogenic handling | Pressure, refrigeration or both |
| What to confirm at destination? | LNG receiving and onward-use arrangements | Storage conditions and accepted composition |
| What should the quote state? | Quantity and energy-quality basis | Quantity and composition basis |
Sources: U.S. EIA: Liquefied natural gas explained · U.S. EIA: Transporting and storing hydrocarbon gas liquids
Compare delivered energy on a stated basis
Always state the unit beside the price. Mass, liquid volume and energy are different measures. If you convert between them, record the density or calorific value used and whether the energy value is gross or net.
List what the delivered cost includes: product, transport, unloading, terminal handling and any onward delivery. Make any assumptions clear. A lower product price may result in a higher total cost after delivery charges.
This is a suggested way to compare offers. It does not mean one gas is always cheaper or more efficient. Compare the fuels approved for your facility using the actual offer terms.
Sources: U.S. EIA: Liquefied natural gas explained · U.S. EIA: Transporting and storing hydrocarbon gas liquids
Prepare your supply enquiry
Start your enquiry with the receiving terminal or facility. Ask its operator which specifications and delivery arrangements it can accept. Include the quantity and whether you need one cargo or regular supply.
Make clear which requirements are essential and which are flexible. Compatibility with the receiving system is essential. A preferred origin or shipment date may be flexible. This helps the supplier suggest suitable alternatives.
Do not infer appliance interchangeability, emissions performance or site safety requirements from this overview. Those decisions depend on the equipment, fuel composition and applicable technical rules. Use the guide to prepare the right questions, then have the receiving operator resolve them.
Sources: U.S. EIA: Liquefied natural gas explained · U.S. EIA: Where hydrocarbon gas liquids come from
Put it into practice
Your buyer checklist
Use these questions when speaking with your supplier and technical advisers.
- Identify LNG, propane, butane or a defined LPG mixture.
- Ask the receiving operator to confirm composition and unloading requirements.
- State quantity, unit, delivery frequency and required arrival window.
- Request the energy or composition basis used in any price comparison.
- Compare all offers at the same receiving point with matching cost inclusions.
Sources & scope
General product and procurement comparison, not a terminal design, handling procedure or equipment-conversion guide. Facility compatibility and safe operating requirements must be confirmed by the receiving operator.
Source check: . Written with AI assistance using the sources below. This guide has not had an independent technical or legal review. The buyer checklist contains practical suggestions, not additional regulatory requirements.
