Malta should follow the example of other European countries and convert its fleet of buses to the cheaper and more environmental-friendly autogas, according to a fuel company CEO.

Liquigas head Roberto Capelluto was speaking during the launch of a third autogas pump at the Wembley service station in St Andrew’s.

Mr Capelluto pledged that, for the foreseeable future, the company would keep the price of autogas half that of unleaded fuel and would be willing to collaborate with the local authorities.

Apart from being cheaper, autogas emissions and particulate matter levels were considerably lower than those of petrol and diesel, he said.

According to Liquigas, more than 450 car conversions were done since the fuel was launch in May 2012. The company said this cut approximately 120 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Mr Capelluto said public transport vehicles in European capitals such as Madrid, London, Copenhagen and Brussels were converted to autogas several years ago with excellent results.

He welcomed the government’s decision to extend the grant scheme to convert vehicles to autogas until the end of this year. The average cost varies between €700 and €1,200 for each vehicle according to engine size and date of manufacture and up to €200 can be recouped through the scheme. Once the autogas kit is installed, the vehicle is still able to run on petrol.

Liquigas has two other service autogas dispensers – at the airport and at the Għajn Buqana service station in the limits of Rabat. It plans to open its fourth pump in Gozo.