AutoGas Gains Momentum as South Africa Eyes Cleaner Transport Alternatives

South Africa's automotive aftermarket is being urged to prepare for a growing shift towards alternative fuels, as AutoGas moves higher up the agenda for businesses, fleet owners and technical professionals.

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSA), in partnership with the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), will host the country's first AutoGas Workshop on 3 July 2026 at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways. The event is expected to provide practical insight into the development of liquefied petroleum gas as a transport fuel and its potential role in a cleaner mobility landscape.

The timing is significant. South Africa's transport sector is facing sustained pressure from fuel price volatility, supply chain concerns and the growing need to lower carbon emissions. These challenges are encouraging the industry to look beyond conventional fuels and consider solutions that can be implemented in the near term.

AutoGas, or LPG, is being positioned as one such option. While it is not a zero-emission fuel, it offers lower emissions than petrol and diesel and can contribute to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas output and greater energy resilience. For South Africa, where affordability remains a key consideration, its appeal lies in the combination of cost savings and environmental benefits.

The fuel is already well established in several international markets. More than 28 million vehicles worldwide run on AutoGas, supported by over 82,000 refuelling sites. Countries including Turkey, South Korea, Poland and India have shown how the fuel can be introduced into mainstream transport systems while helping motorists and fleet operators cut operating costs.

The Johannesburg workshop will explore the policy, safety and regulatory issues that need to be addressed as South Africa develops its own AutoGas market. It will also feature input from the World Liquid Gas Association, with experts from established markets expected to share their experience on standards, implementation and industry growth.

LPGSA Managing Director Gadibole Dihlabi said the event represents an important step in creating a credible and responsible AutoGas sector. She said South Africa has the opportunity to build a market that delivers cleaner transport, more affordable mobility and improved energy security, provided it is supported by strong safety and compliance standards.

The RMI is also placing emphasis on the opportunity for the aftermarket. Through the Automotive Remanufacturers' Association, it has been promoting alternative energy options under its GreenDrive initiative, which encourages the sector to support cleaner and more efficient mobility.

ARA National Director Attie Serfontein said AutoGas should be seen as a practical option already available to the local market, rather than a distant future technology. He said the fuel can offer savings of up to 50% compared with petrol and about 30% compared with diesel, making it particularly relevant for fleet operators under pressure to manage costs.

Serfontein also highlighted the environmental case for LPG, noting that it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 21%, fine particulate matter by up to 95% and harmful nitrogen oxides by a significant margin.

For workshops and technicians, the growing interest in AutoGas could create new opportunities in conversions, maintenance and specialist services. For fleet owners, it offers a possible route to lower running costs while responding to increasing pressure to decarbonise.

As South Africa weighs up practical pathways to cleaner mobility, the upcoming workshop is expected to help define how AutoGas can fit into the country's transport energy mix.