propane gas rather than diesel.

The fuel company said propane was environmentally-friendly because it eliminated exhaust emissions.

The corporation is currently studying day-to-day running expenses and the costs of converting bus engines to take propane to see if it was cheaper than diesel.

Shell is flying in a propane gas expert from Malaysia next month to give a presentation to the environment sub-committee of the National Transportation Management Plan.

David Rose, Shell's Oil Products Business Manager in Bermuda, said propane could also be used to run trucks and taxis, where there were also emission problems.

The buses would only require a conversion kit to allow them to take propane, which Mr. Rose said was widely used in Europe and Hong Kong.

He told The Royal Gazette : "In our opinion, the use of propane for buses is definitely a viable option.

"It would eliminate the problem of exhaust emissions from buses, which is a major issue I believe with both locals and tourists.

"I can't answer for Government, but we believe this is a solution to a problem Bermuda has.

"It's a clean burning fuel and if it can be used as a cheaper source of energy, it's a win-win situation. Even if it is the same price as diesel, it's a win situation for Bermuda.

"It is not just limited to buses. It could also apply to other diesel engines such as trucks and taxis.

Shell pushes gas plan "I would venture to suggest the engines are not tuned to the optimum and that adds to the emissions, although I don't know if that is the situation with the bus engines.

"We are going to be bringing in an expert in the field to make a presentation to the environment sub-committee of the National Transportation Management Plan. He has been involved in the introduction of propane auto gas in a number of countries.

"This is not a developing technology. It is a proven technology used in a number of countries. We have got to get more information before we can say whether it will be cheaper.

" We are in the process of getting information on the buses so we can identify which conversion kits are required and what the costs will be.

"Once we get the information, we will be able to get initial costs and running costs and compare them with the cost of using diesel.'' Shell is the only company on the Island that imports propane gas, which is used for cooking. Two companies distribute the gas, Bermuda Gas and Utility and Sunshine Gas.

The propane gas suggestion was briefly alluded to on Tuesday at a two day international conference on renewable energy at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said last night: "We are glad the conference is bearing fruit so quickly.

"It is one technology we are looking at and we welcome the presentation being made and we are looking forward to working with them to try to do something.''