Gasfil, a Kenyan company, is pioneering the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative vehicle fuel to combat rising petrol costs and environmental pollution. Managing Director James Macharia cites the unpredictable global oil market and escalating fuel prices as key motivators for this initiative.
LPG, commonly known as autogas, offers significant cost advantages over traditional fuels. It is typically 30–40% cheaper per liter than petrol or diesel. According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, a liter of LPG costs approximately KSh115, compared to KSh176.29 for petrol and KSh165.06 for diesel. Although LPG has a slightly lower energy density, resulting in fewer kilometers per liter, the substantial price difference compensates for this, making it more economical per kilometer.
Beyond cost savings, LPG presents environmental benefits. It burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, reducing harmful emissions and contributing to improved air quality. This cleaner combustion also leads to reduced engine wear and tear, potentially lowering long-term maintenance costs for vehicle owners.
Gasfil is actively working to expand the adoption of LPG in Kenya’s transportation sector. The company is developing a robust distribution network to enhance LPG availability, including building retail shops, establishing delivery systems, and collaborating with local businesses across East Africa. Currently, there are only two autogas stations in the country, but approximately 10,000 vehicles are running on LPG. To encourage more conversions, Gasfil offers flexible payment options, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG) schemes, making the transition to LPG more accessible, especially for lower-income drivers.
The process of converting a petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG involves installing a conversion kit. While this technology is adaptable to most petrol-powered vehicles, factors like engine type, vehicle design, and usage patterns can influence feasibility and cost. Ongoing innovations in conversion kits are expanding the range of compatible vehicles, making autogas a viable option for a growing number of users.
Despite challenges such as inadequate energy infrastructure and supply chain gaps for greener fuels in East Africa, Gasfil remains committed to promoting LPG as a sustainable alternative. The company is in the final stages of collaborations with various organizations, aiming to unveil new partnerships within the first quarter of 2025. These efforts are geared towards building a robust distribution network that reaches both urban and rural areas, bringing LPG to communities previously underserved by traditional fuel suppliers.
By addressing both economic and environmental concerns, Gasfil’s initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in Kenya’s transportation sector. The adoption of LPG not only offers immediate cost benefits to motorists but also contributes to long-term environmental health, aligning with global trends towards cleaner energy alternatives.
