The term 'gas' signifies natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases. The conversion kits and components, filling stations, etc., required for the utilisation of gas for automotive use, are included, also commercial and customer gas meters. LP Gas is used by an estimated 3 million domestic customers and 0.5 million non-domestic customers in Europe.
Gas is used for central heating, space heating, water heating and cooking.
Small markets also exist for refrigerators, air conditioning, decorative fuel effect fires. There is a growing market for both NG and LPG as an automotive fuel in Europe. Gas appliances have an average life of between 8 and 20 years. The manufacturing industry is dominated by a few large players and the total number of independent companies is set to further reduce in the next few years to compete worldwide. All common appliances are covered by ENs.