LPG Solutions: Propane, Butane & LPG Mixtures
Your Trusted Partner in Global LPG Supply
ZhimaJituan delivers comprehensive LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) solutions to clients across Asia and beyond. With over 20 years of direct procurement expertise, strategic partnerships with refineries across Russia, Iran, Iraq, Oman, and Qatar, and a deep understanding of the Chinese market’s stringent requirements, we are uniquely positioned to supply high quality propane, butane, and LPG mixtures that meet the most demanding specifications.
Headquartered in Guangzhou and Wuhan two of China’s most strategic logistics and industrial hubs with additional operations across the Middle East, we offer end to end solutions encompassing contract negotiation, multicurrency payments, logistics coordination, and reliable delivery. Whether you require pressurized or refrigerated cargoes, spot purchases or long-term supply agreements, ZhimaJituan is your partner for consistent, compliant, and cost effective LPG supply.
Why LPG?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is one of the world’s most versatile and essential energy sources. Composed primarily of propane and butane, LPG burns cleanly, transports efficiently, and serves a wide range of applications:
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Residential | Cooking, heating, hot water |
| Commercial | Restaurants, hotels, hospitals |
| Industrial | Forklifts, kilns, furnaces, metal cutting |
| Agricultural | Crop drying, weed control, greenhouse heating |
| Petrochemical | Feedstock for olefins and other chemicals |
| Autogas | Vehicle fuel (cleaner than gasoline/diesel) |
| Power Generation | Backup and off-grid electricity |
As China continues its transition toward cleaner energy sources, LPG demand remains robust—particularly for residential, industrial, and petrochemical applications. Understanding and meeting Chinese specification requirements is essential for any supplier seeking success in this market.
Our LPG Product Portfolio
Propane (C3H8)
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity | 95% minimum (commercial grade); 99.5% (high-purity) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.51 – 0.58 @ 15°C |
| Boiling Point | -42°C |
| Vapor Pressure | Maximum 1430 kPa @ 40°C |
| Sulfur Content | Maximum 50 ppm (commercial); 10 ppm (sweet) |
| Residue | Maximum 0.05 mL |
| Moisture | No free water at 38°C |
Butane (C4H10)
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity | 95% minimum (commercial grade) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.57 – 0.59 @ 15°C |
| Boiling Point | -0.5°C |
| Vapor Pressure | Maximum 480 kPa @ 40°C |
| Sulfur Content | Maximum 50 ppm |
| Residue | Maximum 0.05 mL |
| Moisture | No free water at 38°C |
LPG Mixtures (Propane/Butane Blends)
Chinese buyers often require specific propane/butane ratios depending on seasonal demand and application:
| Blend Type | Propane % | Butane % | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Blend | 60–70% | 30–40% | Higher vapor pressure for cold climates |
| Summer Blend | 40–50% | 50–60% | Balanced for warm weather |
| Industrial Grade | 50–50% | 50–50% | Consistent performance |
| Autogas | 30–40% | 60–70% | Vehicle fuel optimization |
We can supply custom blends to meet specific buyer requirements, with certificates of analysis confirming exact composition.
The Chinese LPG Market: Specifications & Demand
China is the world’s largest LPG importer, with demand driven by residential consumption, the petrochemical sector (particularly propane dehydrogenation plants), and industrial applications. Understanding Chinese import specifications is critical for successful market entry.
Most Demanded LPG Specifications in China
Propane Specifications (Chinese Market Standard)
| Parameter | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Propane Purity | 95% minimum (commercial); 97%+ (PDH feedstock) | Higher purity commands premium pricing |
| Butane Content | Maximum 2–3% | PDH plants require minimal butane |
| Ethane/Methane | Maximum 1–2% | Affects vapor pressure and safety |
| Sulfur Content | Maximum 50 ppm (sweet); 10–20 ppm preferred | Environmental compliance; odor concerns |
| Moisture | Pass dry test (no free water) | Prevents corrosion and freeze-ups |
| Corrosion | 1A or 1B (Copper strip test) | Equipment protection |
| Residue | Maximum 0.05 mL | Prevents fouling and maintenance issues |
Butane Specifications (Chinese Market Standard)
| Parameter | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Butane Purity | 95% minimum | Blending and industrial applications |
| Propane Content | Maximum 2–3% | Vapor pressure control |
| Sulfur Content | Maximum 50 ppm | Environmental compliance |
| Moisture | Pass dry test | Corrosion prevention |
| Corrosion | 1A or 1B | Equipment protection |
Key Applications Driving Chinese Demand
| Sector | Product Preference | Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|
| PDH Plants (Propane Dehydrogenation) | High-purity propane (97%+) | Rising propylene demand for plastics |
| Residential/Commercial | LPG mixtures (seasonal blends) | Clean cooking fuel substitution |
| Industrial | Commercial propane/butane | Manufacturing growth |
| Autogas | High-butane blends | Vehicle fleet conversion |
| Aerosol/Propellant | High-purity propane/butane | Consumer goods manufacturing |
Optimal Sourcing Countries for Chinese LPG Imports
Based on our 20+ years of experience, certain countries offer distinct advantages when supplying LPG to the Chinese market.
Russia
Growing Supplier with Competitive Economics
Why Russia Excels for China:
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Proximity | Overland and short-sea options via Far East ports |
| Pricing | Competitive, particularly for Far East deliveries |
| Volume Growth | Expanding LPG production and export capacity |
| Flexibility | Rail, pipeline, and sea options available |
Russian LPG Typical Specifications:
| Product | Purity | Sulfur | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russian Propane | 95–97% | <50 ppm | Good quality; price-competitive |
| Russian Butane | 95–96% | <50 ppm | Consistent supply |
Russian Pricing Mechanisms:
Russian LPG pricing often follows formulas based on:
Netback from Chinese import parity
Argus/NWE quotes with discounts
Fixed-price contracts for term deals
Rail-delivered economics (for overland supply)
Iran
Competitive Pricing with Quality Product
Why Iran Excels for China:
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Highly competitive; often below regional benchmarks |
| Volume | Major LPG exporter with consistent availability |
| Quality | Good commercial-grade LPG meeting Chinese standards |
| Payment Expertise | ZhimaJituan’s expertise in Iranian trade flows is unmatched |
Iranian LPG Typical Specifications:
| Product | Purity | Sulfur | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran Propane | 95–97% | <50 ppm | Good commercial grade |
| Iran Butane | 95–96% | <50 ppm | Suitable for blending |
Important Note: Iranian LPG requires specialized payment and logistics expertise. ZhimaJituan’s 20+ years of experience in the Iranian market ensures smooth, compliant transactions.
Iraq
Emerging Supplier with Potential
Why Iraq Excels for China:
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Volume Potential | Growing LPG production from associated gas |
| Pricing | Competitive for buyers with market access |
| Location | Gulf exports via Basrah |
Iraqi LPG Typical Specifications:
| Product | Purity | Sulfur |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq Propane | 95% minimum | <80 ppm |
| Iraq Butane | 95% minimum | <80 ppm |
Note: Iraqi LPG requires experienced handling of Basrah port logistics. ZhimaJituan’s on-the-ground relationships ensure smooth operations.
Qatar
The Premium Choice for Consistent Quality
Why Qatar Excels for China:
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Quality | World-class LPG specifications consistently meeting Chinese import standards |
| Volume | One of the world’s largest LPG exporters; reliable large-scale supply |
| Purity | Propane typically 98%+; Butane 96%+ – ideal for premium applications |
| Logistics | Established shipping routes; short transit time to China |
| Reliability | State-backed producers with long-term supply stability |
Qatari LPG Typical Specifications:
| Product | Purity | Sulfur | Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Propane | 98% minimum | <30 ppm | Pass dry test |
| Qatar Butane | 96% minimum | <30 ppm | Pass dry test |
Oman
Strategic Regional Supplier
Why Oman Excels for China:
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Strategic position on Arabian Sea; short shipping route |
| Quality | Good commercial specifications |
| Reliability | Consistent exporter with modern facilities |
| Flexibility | Competitive pricing for spot and term deals |
Omani LPG Typical Specifications:
| Product | Purity | Sulfur |
|---|---|---|
| Oman Propane | 95–97% | <50 ppm |
| Oman Butane | 95–96% | <50 ppm |
Malaysia
Premier LPG Supplier with World-Class Standards
Why Malaysia Excels for China:
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Quality Excellence | World-class LPG from Petronas facilities, consistently meeting Chinese standards |
| Strategic Location | Heart of Southeast Asia; 3–5 days transit to South China ports |
| Reliable Volume | Major exporter with stable production from Bintulu, Kerteh, and others |
| Established Trade Relations | Strong Malaysia-China trade framework; smooth import processes |
| Modern Infrastructure | State-of-the-art terminals with efficient loading capabilities |
Malaysian LPG Typical Specifications:
| Product | Purity | Sulfur |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysian Propane | 97% min | <30 ppm |
| Malaysian Butane | 96% min | <30 ppm |
| LPG Mixtures | Custom blends | <30 ppm |
LPG Specifications
Comparative Analysis: Best Country by Priority
| Priority | Best Source | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Quality | Qatar | 98%+ purity; lowest sulfur; consistent specifications |
| Best Price | Iran | Most competitive; strong buyer’s market |
| Shortest Transit | Russia (Far East) | Overland and short-sea options |
| Balanced (Price+Quality) | Oman | Good quality at competitive pricing |
| Volume Security | Qatar/Russia | Reliable large-scale availability |
Pricing Mechanisms: CP & Russian Procedures
Saudi Aramco CP (Contract Price)
The Saudi Aramco Contract Price (CP) is the benchmark for LPG pricing across Asia, including China. It is published monthly and serves as the reference for most term and spot contracts.
How CP Works:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publication | Last week of each month for following month |
| Products | Separate prices for Propane and Butane |
| Basis | FOB Saudi Arabia |
| Application | Used as base for pricing formulas worldwide |
Typical Pricing Formulas:
| Contract Type | Formula |
|---|---|
| Term Contract | CP + Premium (fixed differential) |
| Spot Purchase | CP +/– Discount based on market conditions |
Example:
If Saudi Aramco CP for Propane is $600/MT and you negotiate a $10/MT discount, your price is $590/MT FOB Saudi Arabia.
Russian LPG Pricing Procedures
Russian LPG pricing follows different mechanisms depending on destination and delivery mode.
For Sea-borne Cargoes (Far East Ports):
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Benchmark | Often linked to CP with regional adjustments |
| Formula | CP less discount (typically $20–50/MT below CP) |
| Basis | FOB Kozmino, Vladivostok, or other Far East ports |
For Rail Deliveries to China:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pricing Basis | DAP (Delivered at Place) China border |
| Calculation | Russian domestic price + export duty + rail freight |
| Competitiveness | Often competitive for inland Chinese destinations |
For Pipeline Supplies:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basis | Border pricing or netback from Chinese markets |
| Formula | Negotiated between parties; often linked to Chinese domestic prices |
ZhimaJituan's Pricing Advantage
With direct contracts across multiple sourcing countries, we offer clients:
Logistics & Delivery
Shipping Modes
| Mode | Suitable For | Typical Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Pressurized Vessels | Small to medium cargoes; multiple discharge ports | 1,000–5,000 MT |
| Semi-Refrigerated | Medium volumes; flexible discharge | 3,000–8,000 MT |
| Fully Refrigerated | Large volumes; long-haul routes | 10,000–45,000 MT |
| ISO Tanks | Door-to-door; multimodal | 20–24 MT per tank |
| Rail (Russia-China) | Overland supply to inland China | Unit trains up to 5,000 MT |
| Pipeline | Border deliveries | Continuous flow |
Key Loading Ports by Country
| Country | Primary LPG Export Ports |
|---|---|
| Qatar | Ras Laffan, Mesaieed |
| Iran | Asaluyeh, Bandar Abbas, Kharg Island |
| Russia | Kozmino, Vladivostok, Primorsk, Ust-Luga |
| Oman | Sohar, Mina Al Fahal |
| Iraq | Basrah (Khor Al-Zubair) |
| Malaysia | Bintulu, Port Dickson |
Chinese Discharge Ports
We regularly deliver LPG to major Chinese receiving terminals, including:
| Region | Ports |
|---|---|
| North China | Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Rizhao |
| East China | Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Nanjing |
| South China | Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Huizhou, Maoming |
| Inland | Rail-fed terminals across Henan, Hubei, Sichuan |
Inspection Protocol:
Pre-Loading Inspection – Tank/vessel cleanliness verification
Loading Supervision – Sample collection and sealing
Laboratory Analysis – Full specification testing
Quantity Verification – Metering or draft survey
Documentation – Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Quantity
Quality Assurance & Inspection
We engage internationally recognized third-party inspection agencies to verify quality and quantity at every stage:
Preferred Inspection Agencies:
SGS
Bureau Veritas
Intertek
CCL (China Certification & Inspection)
Why Choose ZhimaJituan
Why Partner with ZhimaJituan for LPG?
✅ 20+ Years of LPG Expertise
Our founder Mohammad (Zac / 力帅) brings over two decades of hands-on experience in LPG procurement, trading, and logistics. This is not theoretical knowledge—it is expertise earned through thousands of transactions, countless negotiations, and enduring relationships across the value chain.
✅ Direct Refinery Contracts
We maintain direct lifting and supply agreements with refineries and producers across:
Qatar – Premium quality, consistent supply
Iran – Competitive pricing, deep market access
Russia – Growing volumes, multiple delivery options
Oman – Strategic regional supplier
Iraq – Emerging opportunity with local expertise
✅ Deep Understanding of Chinese Requirements
Headquartered in Guangzhou and Wuhan, we understand the Chinese market intimately:
Import specifications and customs requirements
Regional demand patterns and seasonal variations
Key buyers and their preferences
Logistics optimization for Chinese discharge
✅ Multi-Currency & Complex Payment Expertise
Few LPG suppliers can match our ability to structure payments in challenging markets. Whether you need USD, EUR, CNY, or local currency settlements, we have the experience and banking relationships to execute.
✅ End-to-End Service
From contract negotiation to final delivery, we manage:
Sourcing and allocation
Price negotiation and risk management
Shipping and chartering
Inspection and quality control
Documentation and customs clearance
Payment structuring and collection
✅ Strategic Presence
With offices in China and operations across the Middle East, we bridge the gap between source and market—physically present where it matters most.
Our Track Record: LPG Success Stories
Case Study 1: High-Purity Propane for Chinese PDH Plant
Challenge: A major Chinese PDH operator required 97%+ purity propane with strict sulfur limits for their new plant.
Solution: We secured cargoes from Qatar with 98.5% purity and <20 ppm sulfur, arranging monthly term shipments to their receiving terminal.
Outcome: Two-year contract renewed; plant operating at design capacity.
Case Study 2: Competitive LPG Mixtures for Regional Distributor
Challenge: A regional distributor needed cost-effective LPG mixtures for residential customers across East China.
Solution: Leveraging our Iranian supply contracts, we delivered competitive-priced cargoes with flexible blending to meet seasonal requirements.
Outcome: 40% cost savings versus previous supplier; multi-year agreement signed.
Case Study 3: Rail-Fed LPG to Inland China
Challenge: An industrial client in Sichuan needed reliable LPG supply without access to coastal terminals.
Solution: We structured rail deliveries from Russian Far East origins, managing cross-border logistics and customs clearance.
Outcome: Consistent monthly supply established; client expanded operations.
Technical Specifications Summary
Propane Specifications by Source:
| Source | Purity | Sulfur | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 98%+ | <30 ppm | PDH, premium applications |
| Iran | 95–97% | <50 ppm | Commercial, industrial |
| Russia | 95–97% | <50 ppm | Commercial, blending |
| Oman | 95–97% | <50 ppm | Commercial |
| Iraq | 95%+ | <80 ppm | Price-sensitive markets |
Butane Specifications by Source
| Source | Purity | Sulfur | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 96%+ | <30 ppm | Blending, chemical |
| Iran | 95–96% | <50 ppm | Blending, industrial |
| Russia | 95–96% | <50 ppm | Blending |
| Oman | 95–96% | <50 ppm | Blending |
| Iraq | 95%+ | <80 ppm | Price-sensitive |
Frequently Asked Questions: LPG
Q1: What is the minimum order quantity for LPG?
A: Minimum volumes depend on vessel type:
Pressurized: 1,000–5,000 MT
Semi-refrigerated: 3,000–8,000 MT
Fully refrigerated: 10,000–45,000 MT
ISO tanks: 20 MT per tank (multimodal)
Q2: Can you supply both propane and butane separately?
A: Yes. We supply propane, butane, or custom LPG mixtures based on your requirements.
Q3: How do you ensure product quality meets Chinese standards?
A: We engage independent third-party inspectors (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) to test and certify all cargoes before loading. Certificates of Analysis accompany every shipment.
Q4: What is the typical lead time for an LPG cargo?
A: For spot cargoes, typically 2–4 weeks from contract confirmation to loading, depending on vessel availability and origin.
Q5: Do you offer CFR delivery to Chinese ports?
A: Yes. We offer FOB, CFR, CIF, and DES terms based on client preference.
Q6: Can you help with import permits and customs clearance?
A: We provide all necessary export documentation. For Chinese imports, we can advise on requirements and connect you with experienced customs brokers.
Q7: What payment terms do you accept for LPG transactions?
A: We accept L/C, SBLC, MT103/202 wire transfers, and structured payment mechanisms. Multi-currency options available.
Q8: Which sourcing country offers the best value for Chinese buyers?
A: This depends on your priorities:
Highest quality: Qatar
Best price: Iran
Shortest transit: Russia (Far East)
Balanced: Oman
We can advise based on your specific requirements.
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