[imagesource:jegdiesel]

While cheaper petrol alternatives have been brewing in the background, South African motorists have been forking out over R20 per litre for fuel for well over a year now.

BusinessTech notes how LPG fuel has been gaining momentum in the country, while traditional fuels have been breaking the bank.

Since January 2021, on average, petrol (93 and 95) has increased by 54% from R14,56 per litre to R22,46 per litre in July 2023, while diesel has risen by around 54,6% from R12,81 per litre to R19,81 per litre over the same period.

Compounding the stubbornly high fuel prices is the fact that the levies imposed on the fuel price have also increased annually – further burdening South African motorists while the government rakes in more revenue.

Meanwhile, a few companies are pushing for the introduction of cheaper fuel alternatives for us. Isinkwe Energies, based in KwaZulu-Natal, is a shining example. The company partnered with Ergon Equipment and Prins Autogas to establish the first-of-its-kind liquified petroleum gas (LPG) fuel station in South Africa.

Image: Top Auto

LPG is roughly 40% cheaper than the current price of R21,74 per litre for Petrol 95 in coastal areas, putting it at a nice affordable R13 per litre.

The only catch is that you’ll need to install an Autogas system in your car. The Prins Autogas kits are priced from R25 000 (excl. VAT) and there are several available depending on the model of your car, with installation costing R2 950 (excl. VAT). With VAT, the total price comprising the kit and labour works out to approximately R32 143.

But remember you’ll be saving almost half on your fuel expenses.

Image: Top Auto

Isinkwe Energies managing director Kyle Hartley noted that the kit can transform a car into a bi-fuel vehicle which can run on both petrol and gas, and LPG systems are notably eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to cars that run solely on petrol.

“If the vehicle runs out of gas it automatically turns back to petrol whilst driving,” said Hartley.

He also noted that there is no power loss when converting to LPG, and it’s an ideal alternative for petrol cars that are already on the road.

Prins Autogas also offers compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems, and Hartley noted that the company is currently investing heavily in the research and development of hydrogen-based systems.

LPG is still making its way across South Africa, but its affordable prices allow it to remain an attractive alternative for motorists seeking to cut down their expenses on traditional fuel.

Plans to build stations all over the country are pending, with agents appointed in Gauteng and the Western Cape, said the company.

[source:businesstech]