Quanzhou, 18 June — A major pilot project to convert bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to piped natural gas along the Licheng section of Quanzhou's renowned Food Street has been successfully completed. As of now, 18 restaurants have transitioned to using safer, more efficient piped gas.

　　The "Bottled-to-Piped" gas conversion is a key public safety initiative designed to reduce the risks associated with bottled gas use, and forms part of Licheng District's 2025 "Practical Initiatives for the Public" programme.

Workers installing underground gas pipelines during the conversion project.

　　Built in 1999, Food Street stretches 613 metres from Jinhuai Street in the south to Fengze Street in the north. It is a popular culinary hub that showcases Minnan cuisine and Maritime Silk Road heritage. Due to the street's age, most eateries have long relied on bottled LPG, which is costly, inconvenient to transport, and presents significant safety risks. Transitioning to a piped gas system was deemed both necessary and urgent.

　　According to the Licheng District Urban Management Bureau, some business owners were initially hesitant due to concerns over lease terms and renovation costs. To address this, a dedicated task force, along with staff from the local gas company, conducted on-site inspections and visited businesses one by one to explain the benefits and coordinate the work. The pilot officially launched in September 2024 and followed a "one solution per business" model, offering tailored plans based on the principle of "convert where possible and practical."

　　"The project involved trenching and laying gas pipelines—complex work given the area's high pedestrian and vehicle traffic," explained a representative from Quanzhou Xin'ao Gas Company. "To minimise disruption, we worked closely with local authorities to streamline approval processes and implemented a rolling construction plan: dig 100 metres, restore 100 metres, then get approval for the next 100."

　　Mr Chen, a restaurateur who has operated on Food Street for over 20 years, was among the first to make the switch. "Before the conversion, we used over 30 gas bottles a month, costing us RMB 4,000–5,000," he said. "Sometimes, low gas pressure meant we had to replace bottles frequently, slowing down food preparation. Now, with piped gas, our monthly gas bill is down to around RMB 2,000."

　　So far, 23 businesses have signed up for the conversion, with 18 already connected to the piped network. After each conversion, the gas company installs safety monitoring and alarm devices, and carries out monthly inspections.

　　"By replacing bottled gas with a piped supply, we've eliminated safety hazards at the source," a representative from the Urban Management Bureau noted. "This project not only enhances safety but also improves operational efficiency and reduces costs for local businesses."