Is LP Gas Cheaper Than Electricity in South Africa? (2025 Comparison)
Published 17 May 2025
With Eskom tariffs rising every year, many South Africans are asking: is LP gas cheaper than electricity? Here is a straightforward answer with real numbers.
The Direct Answer
Yes — in South Africa in 2025, LP gas is generally cheaper than electricity per unit of useful energy for cooking, water heating, and space heating. Based on current Pretoria electricity tariffs and Alectra Gas prices:
This makes LP gas roughly 35–40% cheaper per unit of energy than electricity from the grid in Pretoria. Over a year, this difference adds up significantly for households that use gas for multiple appliances. For a deeper appliance-by-appliance breakdown, see our LP gas vs electricity cost comparison and the latest LP gas prices in South Africa.
Cost Comparison: Cooking
A four-plate electric stove running at full output uses approximately 2 kWh per hour. An equivalent gas stove uses approximately 0.2 kg of LP gas per hour.
For a household cooking one to two hours per day:
Annual electric cooking cost: 2 kWh × 1.5 hrs × 365 × R3.00 = R3,285
Annual gas cooking cost: 0.2 kg × 1.5 hrs × 365 × R24 = R2,628
Annual saving with gas: approximately R657 per year, or R55 per month — for cooking alone.
Cost Comparison: Water Heating
A standard 150-litre electric geyser consumes approximately 3 kWh per day for a family of four. An instantaneous gas water heater uses approximately 0.25 kg of LP gas per day for the same household.
Annual electric geyser cost: 3 × 365 × R3.00 = R3,285
Annual gas geyser cost: 0.25 × 365 × R24 = R2,190
Annual saving with gas water heating: approximately R1,095 per year.
Bonus: gas geysers heat water on demand and work perfectly during load shedding — no cold showers.
Cost Comparison: Space Heating
A 2 kW electric heater running four hours per day over a three-month Pretoria winter:
Electric heater seasonal cost: 2 × 4 × 90 × R3.00 = R2,160
An equivalent gas heater consuming 0.15 kg/hour:
Gas heater seasonal cost: 0.15 × 4 × 90 × R24 = R1,296
Seasonal saving with gas heating: approximately R864 per winter.
When Is Electricity the Better Choice?
LP gas is not always the best option for every application. Electricity has advantages in:
For most South African households, the optimal approach is a mix: gas for cooking, water heating, and backup heating; electricity (or solar) for everything else. Ready to switch some appliances over to gas? Order a cylinder online and we will deliver it the same day in Pretoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I save per month switching from electric to gas cooking?
For an average South African family cooking one to two hours per day, switching to gas typically saves R50–R100 per month on energy costs, depending on your electricity tariff and gas consumption.
Does LP gas stay cheaper than electricity during load shedding?
LP gas appliances are unaffected by load shedding. When the power is out, your gas stove, geyser, and heater continue to work normally — an advantage that goes beyond just cost.
Is solar cheaper than LP gas?
Once installed, solar PV can generate electricity at a lower cost per kWh than LP gas in the long run. However, the upfront cost is substantial. LP gas and solar are complementary: gas handles cooking and hot water most efficiently, while solar covers daytime electricity needs.
How long before gas appliances pay for themselves?
A gas stove can pay back its cost over an electric stove in as little as two to three years based on energy savings alone. A gas instantaneous water heater typically pays back in two to four years compared to an electric geyser.