LP Gas vs Natural Gas in South Africa: What You Need to Know
Published 18 April 2025
LP gas and natural gas are both popular energy sources, but they differ significantly in cost, availability, and best use cases, especially in South Africa.
What Is LP Gas?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP gas or LPG) is a flammable mixture of propane and butane that is stored under pressure in portable cylinders. It becomes a liquid when compressed and returns to a gas state when released. LP gas is widely available across South Africa in standard cylinder sizes (9kg, 19kg, and 48kg) and is used for cooking, heating, hot water systems, and even vehicle fuel.
Because LP gas is stored in cylinders, it is portable and accessible in areas without piped gas infrastructure. This makes it the dominant gas type across most of South Africa, including Pretoria.
What Is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is primarily methane delivered via a fixed underground pipeline network. In South Africa, natural gas is supplied through Sasol's national pipeline system, which is predominantly concentrated in Gauteng's industrial corridor, parts of KwaZulu-Natal, and some metropolitan areas. Unlike LP gas, natural gas requires a permanent piped connection to your property, making it unavailable in most suburban and rural areas of South Africa.
Key Differences: LP Gas vs Natural Gas
Availability: LP gas is available nationwide from distributors like Alectra Gas, delivered directly to your door. Natural gas requires proximity to a Sasol or municipal pipeline, limiting it to select urban areas.
Energy Density: LP gas has a higher energy density (approximately 46 MJ/kg for propane) compared to natural gas (approximately 38 MJ/m³). This means LP gas produces more heat per unit, which matters for efficiency-conscious users.
Portability: LP gas wins hands down. Cylinders can be transported and used anywhere. Natural gas requires fixed infrastructure.
Cost: Both fuels are competitively priced, but pricing structures differ. LP gas is priced per kilogram, while natural gas is priced per gigajoule. In South Africa, LP gas typically costs between R22 and R28 per kilogram at retail. Natural gas is generally cheaper at scale for industrial users but less accessible for residential customers.
Safety: Both gases are safe when used correctly. LP gas is denser than air and sinks to the ground if there is a leak, which requires good ventilation near floor level. Natural gas is lighter than air and disperses upward. Both require proper appliances, regulators, and professional installation.
Which Should You Choose for Your South African Home?
For the vast majority of South African homeowners, especially those in Pretoria and other suburban areas, LP gas is the practical choice. It is:
Natural gas may make sense for large industrial or commercial operations with pipeline access, where high-volume consumption justifies the infrastructure investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LP gas the same as LPG?
Yes. LP gas and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) are the same product. In South Africa, "LP gas" is the most common term used in everyday conversation and on product labels.
Can I convert my natural gas appliances to LP gas?
Yes, most gas appliances can be converted between natural gas and LP gas with a conversion kit. The burner jets and regulator typically need to be changed. Always have this done by a qualified gas technician.
Is natural gas available in Pretoria?
Natural gas pipeline access in Pretoria is limited primarily to industrial zones. Most Pretoria residents and businesses use LP gas delivered in cylinders, which is more practical and widely available.
Which gas is more environmentally friendly?
Both LP gas and natural gas produce lower carbon emissions than coal or diesel. Natural gas (methane) burns slightly cleaner than LP gas in terms of CO₂ per unit of energy, but methane leaks are a concern. LP gas has no significant methane leak risk and produces minimal particulate emissions.