Is LPG (autogas) cheaper than petrol?

LPG autogas is typically 40–60% cheaper per litre than petrol across most European markets in 2026. Typical prices: UK ~£0.70–0.80/litre LPG vs ~£1.45–1.60/litre petrol; Netherlands ~€0.85–0.95/litre LPG vs ~€1.90–2.10/litre petrol; Poland ~PLN 2.80–3.20/litre LPG vs ~PLN 6.50–7.00/litre petrol. However, LPG-powered vehicles use approximately 15–25% more fuel by volume than petrol (due to LPG's lower energy density per litre — approximately 23.4 MJ/litre for LPG vs 32 MJ/litre for petrol). The net fuel cost saving per km is typically 25–40% compared to petrol, depending on the price differential and the specific engine/conversion system.

How much does an LPG conversion cost and what is the payback period?

A quality LPG (autogas) conversion for a petrol car costs approximately £1,500–3,500 (UK) or €1,500–4,000 (Europe), depending on engine size, system type (sequential injection vs mixer), and installer quality. The conversion installs an LPG tank (typically in the spare wheel well), injectors/vaporiser, ECU module, and a filler point. The payback period depends on annual mileage and the petrol-LPG price differential: at 20,000 km/year and 35% net fuel cost saving, a £2,500 conversion pays back in approximately 3–4 years. At 40,000 km/year (high-mileage commercial driver), payback is ~1.5–2 years. Bi-fuel systems (vehicle can run on either LPG or petrol) are common, allowing petrol use when LPG is unavailable. Some tax incentives exist in the Netherlands and Italy for LPG vehicles.

Which cars can be converted to LPG?

Most naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) petrol engines can be converted to LPG autogas. Best suited: carburettor engines (older vehicles), port fuel injection engines (most petrol cars 1990–2015), and some direct injection (GDI/TFSI) engines with appropriate sequential injection systems. Less suitable or more complex: turbocharged direct injection engines (GDI/TSI/TFSI — requires special injection; some do not convert well), engines with very high compression ratios, and some modern downsized engines. Generally not convertible: diesel engines (LPG is a petrol-replacement fuel), hybrid vehicles (complex ECU integration), and most modern Euro 6 direct injection engines (some specialist systems exist but are expensive). The best candidates for LPG conversion are older, naturally aspirated petrol cars or vans with high annual mileage.

LPG vs Petrol Cost Guide 2026

Published 1 October 2026 · Updated 22 October 2026

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as autogas is one of Europe's most widely used alternative road fuels — cheaper per litre than petrol in every market, lower CO2 and NOx emissions than petrol, and available at thousands of forecourts across Europe. For high-mileage drivers with older petrol cars, LPG conversion can save thousands of pounds or euros per year. This guide explains the true cost comparison, the conversion economics, and where LPG makes most sense.

For LPG as a fuel type explained, see our LPG glossary entry. For E10 petrol — the alternative petrol blend — see our E10 fuel guide. For global petrol price context, see our global petrol price comparison guide.

LPG vs petrol prices in Europe 2026

Country	LPG autogas price	Petrol (95 RON) price	LPG as % of petrol price
Poland	~PLN 2.80–3.20/l (~€0.65–0.74/l)	~PLN 6.50–7.00/l (~€1.50–1.62/l)	~43–45%
Netherlands	~€0.85–0.95/l	~€1.90–2.10/l	~43–47%
Italy	~€0.70–0.85/l	~€1.80–1.95/l	~40–45%
Germany	~€0.75–0.90/l	~€1.70–1.85/l	~45–50%
UK	~£0.70–0.80/l	~£1.45–1.60/l	~47–52%
France	~€0.80–0.95/l	~€1.70–1.90/l	~47–52%
Turkey	~TRY 22–28/l	~TRY 50–65/l	~42–47%

The price advantage of LPG reflects its significantly lower excise duty in most European countries — LPG excise is typically €0.10–0.20/litre vs €0.40–0.80/litre for petrol. This tax advantage is maintained as a deliberate policy to encourage lower-emission alternative fuels.

Fuel economy: why LPG uses more litres

LPG has lower energy density than petrol, so vehicles use more LPG by volume to travel the same distance:

Petrol energy density: ~32 MJ/litre (6.0 kWh/l)
LPG (propane/butane mix) energy density: ~23–25 MJ/litre (6.1–6.6 kWh/kg, ~4.6 kWh/l)
Volume consumption increase: typically 15–25% more litres of LPG vs petrol per 100 km
Example: a car doing 10 l/100km on petrol will typically use 12–13 l/100km on LPG

Modern sequential LPG injection systems (vs older mixer/venturi systems) minimise the economy penalty — some modern systems see only 10–15% volume increase vs petrol.

Real cost per km: LPG vs petrol

Scenario	Petrol cost/100km	LPG cost/100km	LPG saving
UK at current prices (£0.75/l LPG; £1.50/l petrol; +20% volume)	£15.00	£9.00	40% saving
Netherlands (€0.90/l LPG; €2.00/l petrol; +20% volume)	€20.00	€10.80	46% saving
Poland (€0.70/l LPG; €1.55/l petrol; +20% volume)	€15.50	€8.40	46% saving
Germany (€0.82/l LPG; €1.77/l petrol; +20% volume)	€17.70	€9.84	44% saving

LPG conversion costs and payback

A complete bi-fuel LPG conversion (car continues to run on petrol; LPG added as alternative fuel) includes:

LPG tank (typically fits in spare wheel well or boot): 40–80 litre capacity
Reducer/vaporiser unit: converts liquid LPG to gas
Sequential injection system or mixer: delivers LPG to engine
LPG ECU: manages injection timing; switches between petrol and LPG
Filler point: external refuelling connection (ACME, DISH, bayonet fittings vary by country)
Total conversion cost: £1,500–3,500 (UK); €1,500–4,000 (Europe)

Payback calculator example:

Annual mileage: 25,000 km/year
Fuel consumption: 10l/100km petrol; 12l/100km LPG
Petrol price: £1.50/l; LPG: £0.75/l
Annual petrol cost: 2,500l × £1.50 = £3,750
Annual LPG cost: 3,000l × £0.75 = £2,250
Annual saving: £1,500
Payback on £2,500 conversion: ~1.7 years

LPG autogas availability in Europe

LPG autogas availability varies significantly by country:

Poland: Most extensive LPG network in Europe — ~7,000+ autogas stations; ~3 million LPG vehicles; very high adoption driven by LPG's large price advantage
Netherlands: ~2,000+ stations; strong LPG culture historically; some network contraction as diesel and EVs grew
Italy: ~4,000+ stations; high adoption especially for taxis and high-mileage commercial users
Turkey: Very large LPG network; one of the world's largest LPG vehicle markets due to large petrol-LPG price differential
UK: ~1,400 stations — adequate for planned routes but less convenient than petrol/diesel networks; network has contracted from peak
Germany: ~6,000+ stations; one of Europe's largest networks; well integrated into motorway service areas
Scandinavia: Limited LPG autogas infrastructure; CNG more common in some markets

LPG or EV — the choice for high-mileage drivers
High-mileage drivers (30,000+ km/year) face a choice between LPG conversion and electric vehicle adoption. EV running costs are even lower than LPG (~£0.03–0.05/km vs LPG ~£0.07–0.09/km at typical UK prices with home charging at ~£0.10–0.15/kWh). However, EVs require a higher upfront purchase price premium vs petrol equivalent (~£5,000–15,000), charging infrastructure availability at home and work, and for very high mileage users, battery degradation concerns. LPG offers: lower upfront cost (conversion ~£2,000–3,000 vs EV premium), no range anxiety, same refuelling model as petrol. For older vehicles (5+ years old with petrol engine, planned for another 5 years of use), LPG conversion frequently offers better financial return than replacing with an EV. For newer vehicles or those planning replacement within 2–3 years, EV or hybrid may be the better investment. For LPG as a broader fuel type covering domestic and commercial applications, see our LPG glossary entry.

LPG vs petrol: broader context and considerations

The LPG vs petrol cost comparison is fundamentally driven by the favourable tax treatment that LPG fuel price receives across most European markets. In the UK, LPG excise duty is just £0.07/litre compared with £0.5295/litre for petrol — a policy designed to incentivise lower-emission alternative fuels. This means that even as crude oil prices fluctuate, the autogas vs petrol price gap remains relatively stable in percentage terms. The UK government's excise duty rates confirm these figures, and the IEA's energy subsidies database tracks tax concessions for alternative fuels across OECD countries. For drivers evaluating LPG fuel consumption against petrol, the key insight is that although LPG vehicles consume 15–25% more litres per 100 km, the 40–55% lower price per litre more than compensates — delivering a net saving of 25–40% per kilometre driven.

Frequently asked questions

Is LPG (autogas) cheaper than petrol? Yes — LPG is 40–55% cheaper per litre than petrol across Europe (UK ~£0.75/l vs £1.50/l petrol; Netherlands ~€0.90/l vs €2.00/l). However, LPG-powered vehicles use 15–25% more litres per 100km due to lower energy density. Net real-world saving: 35–46% per km vs petrol. LPG's lower excise duty (£0.07/l UK vs £0.5295/l for petrol) drives the price advantage.: Yes — LPG is 40–55% cheaper per litre than petrol across Europe (UK ~£0.75/l vs £1.50/l petrol; Netherlands ~€0.90/l vs €2.00/l). However, LPG-powered vehicles use 15–25% more litres per 100km due to lower energy density. Net real-world saving: 35–46% per km vs petrol. LPG's lower excise duty (£0.07/l UK vs £0.5295/l for petrol) drives the price advantage.
How much does an LPG conversion cost and what is the payback period? LPG conversion costs £1,500–3,500 (UK) / €1,500–4,000 (Europe) for a bi-fuel system (tank, injectors, ECU, filler point). At 25,000 km/year and ~40% net fuel saving, a £2,500 conversion pays back in ~1.7 years. At 40,000 km/year, payback is under 1 year. Best candidates: older naturally aspirated petrol cars or vans with high annual mileage.: LPG conversion costs £1,500–3,500 (UK) / €1,500–4,000 (Europe) for a bi-fuel system (tank, injectors, ECU, filler point). At 25,000 km/year and ~40% net fuel saving, a £2,500 conversion pays back in ~1.7 years. At 40,000 km/year, payback is under 1 year. Best candidates: older naturally aspirated petrol cars or vans with high annual mileage.
Which cars can be converted to LPG? Best suited: naturally aspirated petrol engines, port fuel injection (most 1990–2015 petrol cars), carburettor engines. More complex: turbocharged direct injection (GDI/TSI/TFSI — specialist systems exist). Not suitable: diesel engines, hybrids, most modern downsized turbos. The best LPG candidates are older petrol cars/vans (pre-2015) with high mileage and naturally aspirated engines.: Best suited: naturally aspirated petrol engines, port fuel injection (most 1990–2015 petrol cars), carburettor engines. More complex: turbocharged direct injection (GDI/TSI/TFSI — specialist systems exist). Not suitable: diesel engines, hybrids, most modern downsized turbos. The best LPG candidates are older petrol cars/vans (pre-2015) with high mileage and naturally aspirated engines.
What does LPG stand for and how does it differ from propane? LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas — a blend of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀) stored as a liquid under moderate pressure. "Propane" refers specifically to pure propane gas. In practice, autogas LPG is a propane-dominant blend (typically 60–80% propane in colder climates for better vaporisation). The propane/butane ratio affects cold-weather performance but has minimal impact on running cost comparisons against petrol. Both propane and butane are by-products of natural gas processing and oil refining.: LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas — a blend of propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀) stored as a liquid under moderate pressure. "Propane" refers specifically to pure propane gas. In practice, autogas LPG is a propane-dominant blend (typically 60–80% propane in colder climates for better vaporisation). The propane/butane ratio affects cold-weather performance but has minimal impact on running cost comparisons against petrol. Both propane and butane are by-products of natural gas processing and oil refining.