LPG Autogas in the UK: Is It Worth Converting Your Car?

Summary

• LPG costs about half the price of petrol: Around 65-75p per litre compared to £1.35+ for unleaded.
• Conversion costs £1,000-£2,000: For a professional installation on most petrol cars.
• There are about 1,200 LPG stations in the UK: Fewer than petrol, but enough for most drivers. Find fuel with our fuel price finder.

With fuel prices staying high, some UK drivers are turning to LPG as a cheaper alternative. Here is how it works and whether it makes sense for you.

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What Is LPG?

LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a mix of propane and butane that burns cleaner than petrol or diesel.

Cars can be converted to run on both LPG and petrol. You switch between the two fuels with a button on the dashboard.

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How Much Can You Save?

Factor	Petrol	LPG
Price per litre	~£1.35	~£0.70
MPG reduction	Baseline	10-15% lower MPG
Annual fuel cost (12,000 miles)	~£2,000	~£1,200
Saving per year	-	~£800

High-mileage drivers see the biggest savings. If you drive less than 8,000 miles per year, the payback period for the conversion may be too long.

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The LPG Conversion Process

1. A specialist fits an LPG tank (usually in the spare wheel well or boot).
2. New injectors and a control unit are installed.
3. The system is mapped to your engine.
4. You get a certificate of conversion.
5. You must tell your insurer about the modification.

The process takes 1-3 days at a specialist workshop.

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Pros and Cons of LPG

Pros

• Fuel costs are roughly half those of petrol.
• Lower CO2 emissions than petrol or diesel.
• You keep petrol as a backup fuel.
• Lower road tax for some LPG vehicles.

Cons

• Conversion cost of £1,000-£2,000.
• Fewer filling stations than petrol.
• Slightly lower fuel economy (10-15% more fuel used per mile).
• Boot space reduced by the LPG tank.
• Some insurers charge more for converted vehicles.

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Is LPG Right for You?

• Yes if: You drive a lot (over 12,000 miles per year), your car has a big petrol engine, and you want to cut costs.
• No if: You drive a small car short distances, you are considering switching to electric, or you need your full boot space.

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Final Thoughts

LPG is a proven alternative fuel that can save high-mileage drivers hundreds of pounds a year. It is not for everyone, but if the maths works for your driving habits, it is well worth considering.

Compare fuel prices with our fuel finder and see our fuel saving guide for more ways to cut costs.

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