LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is an alternative vehicle fuel made from propane and butane, stored as a liquid under pressure. It burns cleaner than petrol, typically costs around half the price per litre, and is used in petrol cars fitted with an aftermarket conversion system. Around 1,400 UK filling stations stock LPG.

Alternative Fuels LPG

What is LPG?

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LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is an alternative vehicle fuel made from a blend of propane and butane, stored as a liquid under pressure in a dedicated tank. It burns cleaner than petrol, typically costs significantly less per litre, and can be used in petrol cars that have been converted with an aftermarket LPG system.

What LPG Is and How It Works

Composition: LPG is a mixture of propane and butane gases derived as a by-product of natural gas processing and oil refining. It is stored as a liquid under moderate pressure but vaporises into a gas when released into the engine. 2

How it powers a car: A converted petrol car runs a dual-fuel system — it starts on petrol and automatically switches to LPG once the engine is warm. The driver does not need to do anything manually.

Dedicated LPG vehicles: Some vehicles are factory-fitted for LPG, though most UK LPG cars use aftermarket conversion kits fitted to existing petrol engines.

Cost and Emissions Benefits

Cheaper per litre: LPG typically costs around 60–75p per litre in the UK, roughly half the pump price of petrol, though LPG engines use slightly more fuel per mile than petrol engines. 1

Lower CO2 emissions: LPG produces around 15–20% less CO2 per kilometre than petrol, as well as significantly lower particulate emissions, making it one of the cleaner combustion fuel options. 3

Lower vehicle tax: LPG vehicles may benefit from reduced Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) due to their lower CO2 output compared with equivalent petrol models. 2

Limitations to Be Aware Of

Reduced boot space: The LPG tank is usually fitted in the boot or under the vehicle, which can reduce luggage space by a noticeable amount depending on the conversion.

Fewer filling stations: LPG is available at around 1,400 UK forecourts — far fewer than petrol or diesel stations — so route planning is more important for LPG drivers. 1

Conversion cost: A professional LPG conversion typically costs £1,000–£2,000, meaning drivers need to cover enough mileage to recoup the investment through fuel savings.

Finding LPG Near You

LPG prices vary by station: Like petrol and diesel, LPG prices differ between forecourts. Checking live prices before you travel helps you avoid paying over the odds. 1

Use CheckFuelPrices to compare: CheckFuelPrices lists live LPG prices at stations across the UK, searchable by postcode or town, so you can find the cheapest LPG on your route. 1