Gasfil LPG filling points to help motorists cut costs, pollution - Gasfil MD

In the bustling streets of Nairobi, Kenya, a quiet revolution was taking shape.

A city known for its heavy traffic and the haze of pollution from diesel and petrol engines is beginning to breathe a little easier as innovations move to power transport.

One such innovation that has been on the rise in the country is the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas to power vehicles as consumers slowly cut over-reliance on traditional and harmful fuels like petrol and diesel, contributing to air pollution, health issues, and environmental damage.

Industry players such as Gasfil, have embarked on a mission to convert LPG for use as an alternative to petrol.

In an exclusive interview with The Star, Gasfil Kenya managing director James Macharia, said the decision to venture into Auto-gas partly stemmed from the skyrocketing cost of petrol in the country.

The fluctuating global oil market made fuel costs unpredictable, hitting the wallets of ordinary Kenyans hard.

“The high fuel prices motivated us to find an affordable and sustainable alternative,” said Macharia.

Using LPG (autogas) as a petrol alternative is generally much more cost-effective for consumers.

Typically, LPG is 30–40 per cent cheaper per liter than petrol or diesel in most regions.

According to data by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, a litre of LPG goes for Sh115 compared to Sh176.29 for a litre of petrol and Sh165.06 for diesel.

“On running costs, LPG vehicles are generally cheaper to run per kilometer. While LPG has a slightly lower energy density (i.e., fewer kilometers per liter), the price savings per liter more than offset this,” says Macharia.

Gasfil views LPG as a critical solution to East Africa’s energy difficulties, especially in the transportation sector.

The process involves converting a diesel or petrol-run vehicle to operate on LPG.

“While LPG conversion technology is versatile and adaptable to most pet rol-powered vehicles, certain factors like engine type, vehicle design, and usage patterns may influence feasibility and cost,” added Macharia.

He, however, notes that innovations in conversion kits continue to expand the range of compatible vehicles, making autogas a viable option for a growing number of users.

Despite only two autogas stations in the country, the firm says that about 10,000 cars in the country are running on LPG.

“On maintenance cost, LPG systems require periodic maintenance, but overall wear and tear on the engine is reduced due to the cleaner-burning nature of LPG, potentially lowering long-term maintenance costs,” he said.

Even though many East African countries still lack adequate energy infrastructure and have huge gaps in the supply chain for greener fuels, Gasfil aims to change this through the building of a robust distribution network that reaches both urban and rural areas and brings LPG to communities that have previously been underserved by traditional fuel suppliers.

However, the initial costs of switching to greener energy sources, particularly in the transport sector have impeded increased adoption.

Macharia says that to address this, the company provides multiple payment mechanisms, including payas-you-go (PAYG) options for vehicle owners who want to convert to LPG.

“This has made it easier for drivers, particularly those on lower incomes, to acquire this greener option without requiring a substantial initial investment by allowing them to purchase LPG affordably,” he noted.

According Macharia to encouraging the adoption of LPG conversion among vehicle owners and fleet operators requires a combination of education, incentives, partnerships, and infrastructure development.

“We are in the final stages of various collaborations with different organizations which we will be unveiling within Q1 of 2025.”

To increase LPG availability, the company has invested in developing retail shops, delivery systems, and collaborations with local businesses across East Africa.

The use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas as a fuel for transport in Africa is steadily gaining traction, driven by rising fuel costs and the need for sustainable energy solutions.

Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are adopting LPG, primarily for taxis, private vehicles, and public transport.

While LPG is significantly cheaper and cleaner than traditional fuels, adoption remains limited due to infrastructure challenges, lack of awareness, and high conversion costs.

Companies like Gasfil are spearheading efforts to address these barriers by expanding refueling networks and offering flexible payment options.

Despite obstacles, LPG presents a promising alternative for Africa’s transportation sector.