News

Soaring fuel costs have prompted an unprecedented number of conversions to liquid petroleum gas (LPG), according to LPG conversion specialist Prins Alternatech, with take-up almost doubling since fuel hit the £1/litre mark.

Sales of the company's LPG conversion kits are up 50% in May and June compared with last year. The company says the upward trend began as fuel prices broke the £1/litre threshold earlier in the year.  

LPG is retailing nationwide at less than 50% of the price of petrol at about 55p/litre, while bunkered fuel stored on the premises of fleet owners can cost as little as 30p-33p/litre.

The benefits of changing to LPG are not limited to direct savings in fuel outgoings, says Lizzie Shupak, policy and communications at Prins.

"Other benefits include the reduction of CO2 emissions by 20%, NOx and hydrocarbon emissions by 80%, and the virtual elimination of particulate matter that is held responsible for urban air pollution, cancers and respiratory diseases."

The company says it regularly converts not just cars, but also light goods vehicles up to and including Transit-size. "We can convert almost any petrol engine up to eight cylinders with the exception of direct-injection systems," says Shupak.

Costs for conversions range from £1,500 to £2,000 (ex-VAT) depending on the size of engine.