What is the difference between natural gas and propane?

Natural gas and propane are two gaseous fuels with different characteristics:

Natural gas:

• Composition: Primarily methane (CH₄)
• Density: Lighter than air (rises in case of a leak — dissipates upward)
• Distribution: Via underground pipeline network (Énergir, formerly Gaz Métro). Available in served urban and suburban areas
• Pressure: at most 1.74 kPa (about 7 in WC) delivered by Énergir for a flow of 20 m³/h or less (Guide d'intégration du gaz naturel, June 2024)
• Calorific value: 1,000 BTU/ft³ (37.3 MJ/m³) (IHSA, Construction Health and Safety Manual, chapter 32 “Propane”, consulted October 18, 2026)
• Cost: billed as several components published by Énergir (Conditions of Service and Tariff in effect October 1, 2026, consulted October 18, 2026): supply 15.535 ¢/m³, cap-and-trade system for emission rights (SPEDE) 8.727 ¢/m³, plus transport, balancing and distribution (D1 rate: 31.299 ¢/m³ for the first 30 m³/day, declining above that, and a base charge of 62.525 ¢/meter/day for annual volumes of 0 to 10,950 m³). The cost per m³ therefore depends on the volume consumed and on the distribution zone

Propane:

• Composition: C₃H₈ (byproduct of oil refining and natural gas processing)
• Density: Heavier than air (accumulates at ground level in case of a leak — more dangerous)
• Distribution: Delivered in tank on the property. Used in areas not served by the natural gas network
• Pressure: 11 in WC (2.74 kPa) at the regulator outlet (Gastite, Design and Installation Guide, consulted October 18, 2026)
• Calorific value: 2,500 BTU/ft³ (93.1 MJ/m³) — approximately 2.5 times more than natural gas (IHSA, chapter 32 “Propane”, consulted October 18, 2026)
• Cost: varies by distributor, region and season; distributors offer fixed-price or variable-price plans

Conversion: An appliance designed for natural gas must be converted to run on propane (conversion kit: nozzles + pressure adjustment). The reverse is also possible.