‘You can see why I love this car’: even amid a fuel crisis some Australian drivers can fill up for $60 | Petrol prices

For many Australian drivers, the daily commute has become a source of financial stress as petrol and diesel prices fluctuate wildly. However, a dwindling group of motorists is finding a loophole in the fuel crisis: Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). While Electric Vehicles (EVs) dominate the conversation about the future of transport, LPG is quietly emerging as a “hot commodity” for those prioritizing their wallets and the environment.

The Economic Edge: Slashing Fuel Costs

The primary draw of LPG is its stark price difference compared to traditional fuels. Consider the experience of Carl Camilleri, who drives a Ford Falcon XR6 Mark II. While others struggle with soaring costs, Camilleri pays just over 70c a litre, bringing the cost of a full 85-litre tank to approximately $60.

For a daily driver, this efficiency can translate into significant long-term wealth. Camilleri’s daughter calculated that after driving over 178,000km, he has saved nearly $20,000 in fuel costs. As Camilleri puts it, “The car almost paid for itself.”

Environmental Impact: A Cleaner Fossil Fuel

While not as headline-grabbing as the shift to fully electric fleets, LPG offers a meaningful environmental middle ground. LPG—a mixture of propane and butane compressed into a liquid—burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, releasing significantly less CO₂.

This makes it an attractive option for those who cannot yet transition to an EV but want to reduce their carbon footprint. The ability to maintain high performance while lowering emissions is a key reason why enthusiasts continue to cling to these vehicles.

The Infrastructure Challenge: The ‘Gas Hunt’

The biggest hurdle facing the potential resurgence of LPG is the disappearing infrastructure. Between 2011 and 2025, LPG sales plummeted by 87%, leading many service stations to remove their LPG pumps.

Current availability is heavily concentrated in major hubs, but remains limited:

• Metropolitan Melbourne: Approximately 406 stations.
• Metropolitan Sydney: Approximately 79 stations.
• Metropolitan Perth: Approximately 37 stations.

This scarcity has led to the rise of grassroots support networks. Stuart Brown, an LPG enthusiast, started a Facebook community group that has exploded to over 6,000 members. Many are joining as the current fuel crisis reminds them that LPG remains cheap and stable in price.

Conversion and Longevity: Is It Worth It?

For those without a factory-fitted LPG vehicle, conversion is an option. This typically involves installing a storage tank in the boot or under the floor and adding a converter to turn the liquid gas into vapour. According to Repco, the estimated cost for this professional installation ranges between $1,500 and $4,500.

The longevity of these systems is well-documented. Stuart Brown’s 1998 Range Rover has clocked more than 400,000km and, in his words, remains in immaculate condition and still goes like a “freight train.”

Planning Your Journey

Because of the limited number of filling stations, the NRMA recommends that LPG drivers plan their routes meticulously to ensure they don’t run dry between stations.

Future Trends: Niche Utility and Crisis Hedge

As Australia pushes toward net-zero targets, the role of LPG is shifting. While it may never return to the mainstream, This proves becoming a strategic asset for specific groups:

• Towing and Heavy Loads: Drivers like Camilleri use LPG for towing boats and caravans across the country, benefiting from the lower cost per kilometre.
• Economic Hedging: During Middle East-driven fuel crises, LPG vehicles are becoming “hot commodities.” Camilleri recently declined an offer of over $20,000 for his car from a motorist seeking to escape high petrol prices.
• The Enthusiast Market: There is a growing appreciation for “perfect, Australian-made vehicles” that offer a blend of reliability and economy.