Gas in Portugal

Most private and commercial properties in Portugal rely on bottled gas for their supply unlike the United Kingdom which has a piped network. However Portugal is installing a natural gas piped system in the country, though at present (2010) only Lisbon and parts of Porto have the option of utilising this system.

However all new build property and reconstructed property in Portugal have, since 2006, had to ensure their gas installation systems are able to cope with being connected to both a piped gas system or a bottled gas system.

Gas is the most effective method of cooking and heating water in Portugal and comes as either Butane or Propane.

The bottled gas system is effective in Portugal and there are many outlets which provide delivery and collection service, though away from cities most cafes and petrol stations do have provision. Although you can create a contract with one of the major suppliers such as Galp or BP to have your gas bottles delivered to your door, you can also purchase bottles on an adhoc basis.

If you decide to buy on this basis, it is prudent to take note of the most common supplier to your local cafe or petrol station to ensure ease of replacement as gas bottles though similar in design do require different regulators depending upon the supplier. 

If you don't have a gas bottle at the property you have purchased you will need to pay a 'security deposit' when purchasing for the first time. There after you will only pay for the gas, replacing your empty bottle with a full one. You can at any time cash in this deposit by handing back the bottle.

Most home owners in Portugal keep two bottles at their property to ensure when one runs out there is a replacement as there is nothing worse than a cold shower in the depths of winter.

In addition to the 45 kilogramme and smaller 13 kilogramme bottles you can also opt to have a larger, immobile tank installed at your property, though you will need to notify the local council of the installation. These tanks are capable are generally utilised by hotels or commercial properties. Propane is ideal for properties which experience colder temperatures as the gas has a lower freezing point than butane.

Propane Gas

Propane gas does have distinct advantages over Butane. Propane has a much lower boiling point (-42 degrees Celsius) which means even when the temperature is around zero outside the gas will still boil ensuring you a constant supply. However Propane is more noxious than Butane and must be stored outside of the home in a well ventilated storage unit, out of the heat of the sun. Propane is measured at 37 milibars. Propane is sold in 11 and 45 kilogramme bottles.

Butane Gas

Butane gas is perhaps the most commonly used in Portugal and it is less noxious than Propane. Butane gas also burns cleaner the propane and in like for like comparisons it is possible to squeeze more energy out of butane. However if the temperature nears or falls near zero degrees Celsius butane will freeze. Butane is measured at 30 milibars of pressure. Butane is sold in 13 kilogramme bottles.