Kenyan motorists, including owners of large-engine vehicles, are increasingly converting their petrol cars to use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as autogas, to reduce fuel expenses. This trend, initially popular among taxi operators, is gaining momentum with businesspeople and owners of luxury cars seeking more economical fuel alternatives.

Conversion Process and Costs

The conversion involves installing an LPG tank at the rear of the vehicle and a computer-controlled system that automatically switches between petrol and gas depending on power needs. Installation costs vary by vehicle size:

  • Cars under 1000cc: approximately Sh67,000
  • Mid-range engines: between Sh120,000 and Sh150,000
  • Large engines (above 2000cc): Sh150,000 to Sh250,000

For example, converting a Land Cruiser with an 80-litre tank costs around Sh200,000 to Sh250,000. Despite the upfront expense, owners recover costs through lower fuel consumption, as LPG retails at about Sh100 per litre compared to petrol's Sh214.

Performance and Safety

Users report minimal power loss, around 5%, with the system intelligently switching to petrol when extra power is needed. Vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo models are now being converted, although the process can be complex and costly.

Safety is a key focus, with LPG tanks made from puncture-resistant steel and equipped with multiple safety valves to prevent leaks and explosions. Since the technology’s introduction in Kenya in 2019, no safety incidents have been reported.

Growing Infrastructure and Regulatory Support

The number of autogas refuelling stations has expanded, with at least 39 stations in Nairobi and others in towns like Nyeri and Nakuru. Proton Gas pioneered the technology in Kenya, training over 130 mechanics and converting more than 90,000 vehicles before other competitors entered the market.

Regulatory bodies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) enforce strict safety and operational standards on conversion centres and fuel stations, ensuring industry professionalism and consumer confidence.

As fuel prices remain volatile due to global factors, the shift to autogas presents a viable option for Kenyan motorists aiming to lower running costs without compromising vehicle performance or safety.