Kenya: Autogas as a sustainable alternative to face skyrocketing petrol costs

LPG has been on the rise in Kenya to power vehicles as consumers slowly cut over-reliance on traditional and harmful fuels like petrol and diesel, thus alleviating their wallets from the unpredictable global oil market fuel costs.

Industry players such as Gasfil have embarked on a mission to encourage Autogas use as an alternative to petrol. “The high fuel prices motivated us to find an affordable and sustainable alternative,” explained Gasfil Kenya Managing Director James Macharia, in an interview with The Star.

Using Autogas as a petrol alternative is much more cost-effective for consumers. In Kenya, LPG is typically 40% cheaper per litre than petrol or diesel in most regions. “On running costs, LPG vehicles are generally cheaper to run per kilometre. While LPG has a slightly lower energy density (i.e., fewer kilometres per litre), the price savings per litre more than offset this,” commented Macharia.

Regarding conversion process in Kenya, Gasfil director said that innovations in conversion kits continue to expand the range of compatible vehicles, making Autogas a viable option for a growing number of users.

For Gasfil, LPG is a critical solution to East Africa’s energy difficulties, especially in the transportation sector; and even though many East African countries still lack adequate energy infrastructure, the company plans to change this through the building of a robust supply network that reaches both urban and rural areas and brings LPG to communities that have previously been underserved by traditional fuel suppliers.

Despite only two LPG stations in Kenya, the firm detailed that about 10,000 cars in the country are running on this fuel.

To increase Autogas availability, Gasfil has invested in developing retail shops, delivery systems, and collaborations with local businesses across East Africa. “We are in the final stages of various collaborations with different organisations which we will be unveiling within Q1 of 2025,” said Macharia.

Despite obstacles, LPG presents a promising alternative for Africa’s transportation sector, he added.

Source: The Star

Photo: Gasfil

February 2025