LPG causes taxi breakdowns
Who?
City taxi drivers are furious because their vehicles have been breaking down after refuelling at Sinopec's petrol stations. One taxi driver said his car started giving him trouble shortly after he refilled the gas tank at a Sinopec petrol station in Tuen Mun.
What?
All of Hong Kong's taxis run on liquefied petroleum gas. One engineer said he believes the problem may be due to the quality of the LPG, but Sinopec says its LPG exceeds the required standards.
When?
The government's Electrical and Mechanical Services Department said it began receiving reports of breakdowns in late November last year. It has now affected hundreds of vehicles and the government this week announced it would launch an investigation.
Where?
Breakdowns, allegedly due to Sinopec's LPG, have been reported all over Hong Kong. There have been around 200 reports in Kowloon and a similar number in the New Territories.
Why?
A technician at a taxi repair workshop where they are working on more than 100 taxis said they were finding 'particles' inside petrol tanks. He said the LPG might be low quality.
How?
An Electrical and Mechanical Services Department spokeswoman said a meeting was to be held with the Transport Department, taxi drivers and Sinopec to discuss how to deal with the problem.
