BP is to make the break into alternative fuels, installing four liquefied petroleum gas pumps on forecourts within the next couple of months. And before the end of the year the company is to have 10 LPG pumps in position.

With around 4,000 cars running on gas, and more being built or converted every day, BP said it was time to enter the fast growing market. The first four pumps are expected to be in the London area. Siting of the further six depends on where LPG centres will be of most use to motorists.

A spokesman for the fuel giant said: 'BP is looking very closely at LPG as a form of fuel and will be operating a trial service this summer initially operating three or four pumps. The market is small at the moment, but there is potential for substantial growth with the levels of Government funding. Obviously BP wants to take advantage of the market as it develops.'