Alternative Fuels LPG

What does LPG stand for?

Q: What does LPG stand for?

LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas — a mixture of propane and butane stored as a liquid under pressure. It is used as an alternative road fuel (also called autogas) in converted vehicles, and typically costs less per litre than petrol or diesel in the UK.

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LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases — primarily propane and butane — stored as a liquid under pressure. It is used as an alternative road fuel in vehicles that have been converted from petrol, and is generally cheaper per litre than both petrol and diesel at UK forecourts.

What LPG Actually Is

A byproduct of refining: LPG is produced as a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is stored as a liquid under relatively low pressure, making it practical to carry in a tank fitted to a vehicle. 2

Propane and butane blend: Automotive LPG is typically a mix of propane and butane. The exact blend varies by season — more propane in winter to aid cold starting.

Also known as autogas: When used as a vehicle fuel, LPG is commonly called autogas. The two terms refer to the same product in a road fuel context.

LPG as a Road Fuel in the UK

Requires a converted vehicle: Most LPG-powered cars started life as petrol vehicles and were fitted with a separate LPG tank and injection system. Dedicated factory LPG vehicles are rare in the UK.

Lower CO₂ than petrol: LPG produces around 15–20% less CO₂ per kilometre than petrol. The UK government recognises it as a lower-carbon road fuel, though its long-term role is limited under the transport decarbonisation agenda. 3

Cheaper per litre: LPG typically costs significantly less per litre than petrol or diesel at UK forecourts, though fuel economy is around 10–15% lower than petrol because LPG has a lower energy density. 1

Finding LPG Stations in the UK

Limited but available: LPG is stocked at a smaller number of UK forecourts than petrol or diesel — availability varies significantly by region.

Check before you travel: CheckFuelPrices covers fuel stations across the UK, helping drivers identify the nearest and cheapest options when planning a journey. 1