It has also been used as an internal combustion engine fuel in fork lifts and other machinery, but has only been seriously considered as a transportation fuel since the early 1980s. Approximately 85 percent of Canada's propane, about 20.6 million litres per day, is extracted from natural-gas wells at gas plants in Western Canada. The remaining 15 percent is produced during the processing of petroleum at oil refineries. Propane and the environment When used in a properly prepared engine, propane could combust more completely than gasoline. This would result in lower levels of exhaust and evaporative emissions that contribute to urban pollution and climate change.
Propane contains no aromatic compounds, and produces no benzene and particulate emissions.
Propane has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which means engines optimised to use this alternative fuel could improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. With an octane number of 100, propane can be used as a premium grade fuel. In certain locations, propane can offer a price advantage over gasoline. Many organisations have already recognised the cost advantages of switching to an alternative fuel like propane. After extensive research and planning, UPS decided that converting 70 percent of its Canadian fleet to an alternative fuel made environmental and economic sense.