South Africans facing sky-high petrol prices may find some hope in a cheaper alternative: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Autogas, available at around R12 per litre. However, according to Kyle Hartley, managing director of Isinkwe Energies, a lack of infrastructure is making it difficult for many citizens to make the switch.

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Fuel Prices Surge Amid Global and Local Pressures

As of May 2025, the official price of 95-octane petrol stands at R21.40 per litre—a painful reality for households and businesses alike. These inflated costs are largely driven by external factors such as the Brent Crude oil price and the US dollar exchange rate. With oil priced in dollars, the weakened rand, worsened by ongoing political instability and poor economic performance, means South Africans are paying more at the pump than ever before.

LPG Autogas: A Promising Alternative

In this climate, LPG Autogas is emerging as a promising alternative. Derived as a byproduct from refining crude oil and processing natural gas, LPG consists mainly of propane and butane. Compressed into a liquid, it is commonly used for cooking and heating but is now gaining traction as a motor fuel.

Hartley told BusinessTech that LPG Autogas offers an approximate 40% saving compared to petrol, with prices sitting around R12 per litre nationally. While coastal provinces like the Western Cape may pay closer to R14.15 per litre, this is still significantly cheaper than traditional fuels.

High Upfront Conversion Costs Remain a Barrier

However, transitioning to LPG is not as simple as refueling. Conventional vehicles require conversion kits to enable dual-fuel capability—running on both petrol and LPG. These kits cost about R26,000 (excluding VAT), and the exact price varies depending on the vehicle make and model.

Demand Is Growing Despite Challenges

Despite this upfront investment, the demand for LPG as a fuel source is growing. At the 2024 Automechanika and Futuroad Expo, industry leaders acknowledged LPG’s potential to become a viable alternative for fleet operators, small businesses, and everyday motorists.

Infrastructure Limitations Slow Adoption

Yet, the biggest hurdle remains the limited refueling infrastructure across South Africa. “There’s no official database of LPG-supported fuel stations,” Hartley explained. “But we know there are only a handful, mostly clustered in major cities.”

In Gauteng, drivers can currently refuel at Sasol forecourts in Kempton Park and Centurion. Isinkwe Energies also plans to open its first dedicated Autogas station in Midrand this July, with another set to launch in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, in September. In Cape Town, LPG is available at Easyway stations near the airport and Salt River, with another site under development in Strand.

Vehicle Manufacturer Support Still Limited

Vehicle compatibility is another concern. Most major automakers do not yet endorse LPG conversions under their vehicle warranties. Hartley noted that only five manufacturers in South Africa currently approve Isinkwe Energies’ systems while maintaining warranty coverage post-conversion. The company is actively working to expand these partnerships.

A Cheaper but Still Distant Fuel Future

Ultimately, while LPG Autogas offers a cost-effective alternative to petrol, the lack of nationwide infrastructure and limited manufacturer support means the transition is slow and challenging for most South Africans. Still, with fuel prices unlikely to drop soon, momentum is building—and companies like Isinkwe Energies are banking on an LPG-powered future.