One thing holding back a R12 per litre alternative to high petrol prices in South Africa

The demand for the R12 per litre LPG gas alternative to South Africa’s high fuel prices is rising, but the lack of infrastructure is stopping many more South Africans from making the switch. 

This is according to Kyle Hartley, managing director at Isinkwe Energies, a leading proponent of LPG Autogas in South Africa.

As of April 2025, South Africans are still paying around R20 for fuel, with the inland price of petrol and diesel at R21.51 and R19.32, respectively. 

This high fuel price is primarily due to global Brent Crude oil prices and the strength of the country’s currency, the rand. 

Unfortunately, global tensions and domestic events have both worked against South African motorists in recent years.

For example, the price of oil increased rapidly after the war between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia being a major global oil supplier. 

This has been compounded by local factors in South Africa, including weak economic growth and political instability, which has weakened the rand. 

This combination of rising oil prices and the weakening rand has increased fuel prices, as South Africa is a net importer of fuel. 

However, other fuel alternatives, including LPG autogas, are gaining momentum in South Africa.

LPG is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It consists of a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel for various applications.

The main components of LPG, propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10), are compressed into a liquid state at relatively low pressures to make transportation and storage easier.

LPG is widely used for several purposes, including cooking, heating, automotive fuel, industrial applications, and refrigeration.

Hartley told BusinessTech that LPG Autogas is about 40% cheaper than traditional petrol. As of April 2025, Inland prices are around R12 per litre compared to petrol’s R21.51 per litre.

LPG costs slightly more for coastal regions, averaging R14.15 per litre, but still represents significant savings.

These kits allow vehicles to run on both petrol and LPG, nearly halving operational fuel expenses. For businesses registered for VAT, the effective cost per kilometre can drop to just 65 cents.

Additionally, converting a vehicle to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) costs around R26,000 (excl. VAT). However, this can vary based on the type of car and model. 

Big demand but equally big challenges 

Hartley noted that demand for LPG autogas fuel is rising significantly. The Automechanika and Futuroad expo, held in Johannesburg at the end of 2024, emphasised this demand.

During the expo, industry leaders highlighted LPG’s significant potential as a mainstream fuel alternative, drawing the attention of workshop owners, fleet operators, and private individuals. 

However, while demand for autogas conversions is increasing, Hartley said South Africa’s limited refuelling infrastructure still constrains its growth. 

While there’s no specific data on the number of LPG-specific stations, there are examples of only a handful of existing locations in major cities and others under development. 

On the refuelling side, Hartley said that Gauteng currently has several stations offering Autogas, two of which are located at Sasol stations in Kempton Park and Centurion.

He added that Isinkwe Energies’ first dedicated Autogas station in Gauteng is planned to open in Midrand this July.

A second station will follow this in KwaZulu-Natal, located in Pinetown or Isipingo, around September 2025.

There are also some Easyway filling stations in Cape Town, which can be found at Cape Town International Airport and Salt River, with another being developed in Strand. 

Hartley also pointed out that another hurdle for LPG gas is that most OEMs in South Africa still need to approve the systems under their respective warranties. 

“Currently, five manufacturers in South Africa approve our system and maintain warranty validity post-conversion,” said Hartley.

He added that his company is working with its strategic partners to expand this list of manufacturers.

Hartley also highlighted that Isinkwe Energies is actively focusing on significantly expanding the refuel network in South Africa. 

LPG autogas converted Toyota Corolla Cross