LPG forklifts and their future in New Zealand

Both the gas industry and the government expect LPG to remain available and continue to be supplied to businesses and homes until a full transition to low and zero-carbon gases is complete, a process targeted for around 2050. 

However, there is a general industry shift towards electric forklifts driven by companies' individual sustainability goals and WorkSafe recommendations regarding indoor air quality: 

The Future of LPG Forklifts in NZ

• No Ban on Connections: The Climate Change Commission has not proposed a ban on new gas connections. Businesses can continue to connect to LPG and use existing appliances for their expected lifetimes (typically up to 15 years).
• Continued Supply: LPG is an important and widely available energy source in New Zealand, with a robust import and distribution infrastructure, especially in the South Island where natural gas pipelines are not present. Suppliers like BOC and Elgas continue to offer and upgrade their forklift gas cylinder services.
• Future Gas Alternatives: The gas industry is working on transitioning to renewable alternatives like BioLPG and hydrogen blends, which will be compatible with many existing gas forklifts, ensuring a long-term future for gas-powered equipment. 

Industry Trends and Alternatives

• Shift to Electric: Many companies, such as DB Breweries, are choosing to switch from LPG to electric forklifts as part of their own corporate carbon reduction and zero-carbon initiatives. The material handling landscape is seeing a significant shift towards electric models, with suppliers heavily promoting lithium-ion and other electric options.
• Workplace Safety: WorkSafe New Zealand recommends using electric-powered forklifts as the primary option to eliminate the source of carbon monoxide in workplaces, especially in small or poorly ventilated areas. If fuel-powered forklifts must be used indoors, strict safety and ventilation measures are required.
• Benefits of LPG: LPG forklifts remain a viable option for many operations, especially those requiring high lifting power, fast refuelling with minimal downtime (a quick tank swap), and use in semi-rough terrain or outdoor conditions.