Petrol, power or propane? How pressure at the pumps is pushing South Africans to rethink their next car purchase

We South Africans have a complicated relationship with fuel. It’s not just something we fill up with. It’s something we watch closely, because when the petrol price hikes, we know what’s coming next – road trips get reconsidered, ride sharing becomes a viable option, and, increasingly, we start looking for a cheaper way to power our cars. So, what are the real options on the table?

Let’s clear this up first: in the US, ‘gas’ means petrol, but in South Africa, when people talk about ‘gas cars’, they’re typically referring to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), also known as autogas.

It isn’t a new technology – it’s been around for decades – but it’s having a bit of a moment. Why? Because LPG is typically a whole lot cheaper than petrol by about 30–40%. And in a country where rising fuel costs can make or break a monthly budget, that’s no small difference.

So, how does it actually work? It’s quite simple: a certified technician installs a conversion kit in your car, turning it into a dual-fuel system that can run on either petrol or gas. Once fitted, your car can switch between petrol and LPG automatically, so if you run out of gas, it defaults back to petrol while you're still moving.

And there's an even newer development worth watching: a ‘tri-brid’ system that allows hybrids like the Toyota Corolla Cross to run on autogas as well, so you get  electric, petrol and gas in one car.

This obviously leads to lower running costs, cleaner emissions, and less strain when  petrol prices hikes. But the real draw is the petrol price. LPG currently sits at around R12 per litre in Gauteng and R14 at the coast – almost half the price of petrol. That adds up with every kilometre you clock up.

But the conversion has its trade-offs. There’s the upfront conversion cost, refuelling infrastructure in SA is still limited to a handful of stations in major metropoles, and not every car is fit for conversion. So, what about all-out electric?

EVs are the future, so they say, with a second-hand market already growing globally. But they're not quite South Africa's present. At least not yet, and not for most of us. The cost of entry is still too high. Load shedding (even though low key right now) can make home charging unpredictable. And the charging network outside major metros is still thin on the ground.

For many South African drivers, an EV promises freedom from fuel – you just plug in and go. On paper, it’s the perfect solution. But in reality, it falls apart somewhere on the road between Colesberg and Beaufort West – there’s really nothing nice about range anxiety on long-distance routes.

That's not to say EVs aren't worth considering, particularly if you have predictable daily routes and do most of your driving in the city. And they’re definitely becoming more viable and more visible – at every mall across the country you’ll see the plug-in bays.

But for now, the practical middle ground for many South Africans looks more like a fuel-efficient petrol car, a gas conversion, or one of the new hybrids on the market.

What often gets forgotten in the frenzied excitement of a new fuel system or a shiny new set of wheels is an update to your insurance policy. Any substantial change to your car needs to be communicated to your insurer.

A gas conversion is a modification. An EV is a different risk profile to a petrol car. A new model from a brand that wasn't in the market two years ago may need a fresh look at replacement value and the availability of parts.

On top of that, LPG systems need proper installation and certification. EVs come with new variables like battery health and charging risks. Petrol cars still face traditional risks like mechanical wear and tear.

From a car insurance and risk POV, the principle stays the same: Know what you’re driving, know the risks and requirements, and make sure you’re covered accordingly.

Here’s a quick checklist on how to navigate the change:

• Tell your insurer about any modifications, including LPG conversions, before you hit the road
• Check that your car's insured value reflects its current market worth, especially if you've added a conversion kit
• Review your Mihelp roadside assist cover, especially if you're running on a fuel type that isn't available at every garage
• Understand your excess and claims process for mechanical or electrical failure, which is different to accident damage
• Make sure your motor warranty or motor plan still applies after a conversion because not all of them do

Whether you're converting your Suzuki Celerio to gas, putting a deposit on a BYD seven-seater Atto 8 plug-in hybrid, or just finally making peace with the fact that the petrol price isn't coming back down, the thinking stays the same: your car is one of your most valuable assets. When you change how it works, make sure your protection keeps pace.

At Miway, we know that South Africans are always ready to respond to rising costs, changing technology and real-world constraints. Whether your car runs on petrol, LPG or electricity, we’re here to keep you moving forward, affordably and safely.