LP Gas vs Electricity in South Africa: A Real Cost Comparison (2025)
Published 8 May 2025
With Eskom tariffs rising every year, many South Africans are switching to LP gas. Here is a clear, data-driven cost comparison to help you decide what makes sense for your home.
Why This Comparison Matters in 2025
South African electricity tariffs have increased by over 300% in the past 15 years. Eskom's 2025 tariff increase and the ongoing reality of load shedding have pushed millions of households to reconsider their energy mix. LP gas, delivered directly to your door by suppliers like Alectra Gas, offers an attractive alternative, not just for cost, but for energy security.
But is LP gas actually cheaper than electricity? The answer depends on what you are using energy for, your appliances' efficiency, and your local electricity tariff.
Key Numbers for 2025
LP Gas:
Electricity (Eskom residential, 2025):
Conclusion: LP gas energy costs approximately R1.88 per kWh vs electricity at R2.90–R3.10 per kWh in Pretoria, making LP gas roughly 35–40% cheaper per unit of energy delivered.
Cooking: Gas vs Electric Stove
A four-plate electric stove uses approximately 2 kWh per hour at full output. A comparable gas stove uses approximately 0.2 kg of LP gas per hour. Assuming two hours of cooking daily:
Electric stove annual cooking cost: 2 kWh × 2 hrs × 365 days × R3.00 = R4,380/year
Gas stove annual cooking cost: 0.2 kg × 2 hrs × 365 days × R24/kg = R3,504/year
Annual saving with gas cooking: approximately R876 per year for an average household. The saving grows with heavier use.
Water Heating: Gas Geyser vs Electric Geyser
A standard 150-litre electric geyser consumes approximately 3 kWh per day for an average household. A gas instantaneous water heater of equivalent output uses approximately 0.25 kg of LP gas per day.
Electric geyser annual cost: 3 kWh × 365 × R3.00 = R3,285/year
Gas geyser annual cost: 0.25 kg × 365 × R24 = R2,190/year
Annual saving with a gas geyser: approximately R1,095 per year. The break-even on the cost of a new gas geyser is typically two to three years, after which you enjoy ongoing savings.
Bonus: A gas geyser heats water on demand and is unaffected by load shedding, eliminating the frustration of cold showers during power cuts.
Space Heating: Gas Heater vs Electric Heater
A 2kW electric oil heater running four hours daily during winter (three months) costs: 2 kWh × 4 hrs × 90 days × R3.00 = R2,160
A comparable gas heater consuming 0.15 kg/hour for four hours daily: 0.15 kg × 4 hrs × 90 days × R24 = R1,296
Winter saving with gas heating: approximately R864 per winter season.
Important: Always use gas heaters in well-ventilated rooms. Do not use unflued gas heaters while sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LP gas really cheaper than electricity in South Africa?
Based on 2025 pricing, LP gas costs approximately R1.88 per kWh of energy, while Pretoria electricity tariffs average R2.90–R3.10 per kWh. LP gas is approximately 35–40% cheaper per unit of energy, making it significantly more cost-effective for high-consumption applications.
Does switching to gas cooking save money immediately?
If you already have a gas stove or purchase a dual-fuel appliance, yes, savings start from the first month. If you need to buy new appliances, calculate the payback period based on your monthly cooking costs. For most households, the payback on a gas stove is under two years.
What about solar power, is it cheaper than both gas and electricity?
Solar PV can generate electricity at a lower long-run cost than grid electricity, but requires significant upfront investment. Solar and gas are complementary: solar covers daytime electricity needs while gas provides cooking, hot water, and heating that solar cannot easily replace cost-effectively.
Does load shedding affect LP gas appliances?
No. LP gas appliances operate independently of the electricity grid. Gas stoves, geysers, and heaters continue to function normally during load shedding, making LP gas an excellent energy resilience strategy for South African households.