Prices at the pump are becoming an eye-sore day by day no wonder there’s an influx of gas-powered cars on our Kenyan roads as can be identified from cars with a small black seal at the rear bumper.
As of the time this article is being compiled the price of petrol stands at ksh 217.36 a liter and ksh 114 for a liter of LPG, a difference of Ksh 103.36 which is a significant difference by all means.
Therefore, Kenyans and more so people in businesses like deliveries, online taxi hailing, and even those using their vehicles for private means are opting to shift to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) as a secondary source of fuel.
So! how do you convert a car from petrol to LPG? How safe is it? What are the other advantages of it apart from the cost-saving aspect? etc.
In this article, we shall cover all those questions so that you can make an independent decision if this is something you’re considering for your vehicle.
Without further ado let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
How To Covert A Car From Petrol To LPG
In Kenya currently, installation of the LPG kit is being done by Pronto Energy under their brand OTOGAS.
From their website, they mention that LPG is a great way for businesses, car owners, and operators with high fuel bills to save on their vehicle running costs and to reduce carbon emissions as LPG is a cleaner, greener, and more cost-effective energy source than traditional fuels like diesel and petrol.
According to OTOGAS before they can commence the petrol to LPG conversion they need to inspect your vehicle first for any mechanical issues and give you a clean bill of health.Â
If for whatever reason your car does not pass the inspection one of their employees will walk you through what needs to be fixed for your car to be converted, how cool is that?Â
After a successful inspection, conversion begins. This process normally takes between 6-8 hours.Â
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The installation process involves installing a 3mm welded steel autogas tank which is stress-tested to many times its normal operating pressure prior to installation.
In addition, two electronically controlled shut-off solenoids are installed on the LPG tank and the reducer that’s placed under the bonnet. The purpose of this is to stop the flow of LPG autogas to the engine if the engine stops for any reason.
Further, pressure relief valves for the tank are also installed in order to prevent any pressure build-up that may damage the system, or be hazardous.Â
Lastly, compartments are sealed, venting and pipework are done to ensure no LPG enters the interior of the vehicle.
At this point, your car’s conversion from petrol to LPG is done and you’re given a free full tank of gas as a token of appreciation.
But before you can drive off and start enjoying your new pocket saver you need to pay for the service, or do you? Let’s find out below.
The Cost Of Converting a Car From Petrol to LPG (GAS) in Kenya
According to information available on the Otogas website, they have 2 options that you can choose from as far as costs are concerned.
These are conversion under outright and conversion under rental.
1. Conversion Under Outright
This is where you pay the conversion fee which starts from Ksh 55,000 upfront and thereafter, you purchase gas at ksh 114 per liter.
For you to qualify for this program you need the following:
- Successful pre-conversion engine inspection by the company.
- A copy of your national identification card.
- The vehicle logbook copy.
- A dully filled and signed conversion agreement form (provided by the company)
2. Conversion Under Rental
Under this program, you don’t pay a conversion fee. Yes, you read that right.Â
The conversion is done for free but you will be required to purchase gas at ksh 124 per liter thereafter.
In respect thereof, all legal and beneficial ownership of the gas kit remains with Otogas.
For you to qualify for this program you need the following:
- Successful pre-conversion engine inspection by the company.
- A copy of your national identification card.
- The vehicle logbook copy.
- A dully filled and signed rental and conversion agreement form which is provided by Otogas.
- 3 months trip history from 2 to 3 major online taxi operators that customers subscribe to.
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Advantages of Converting a Vehicle From Petrol to LPG
Right off the bat, it goes without saying that you stand to save big on fuel bills as LPG is currently cheaper than petrol by a big margin and will continue being so for quite a long time.
Other advantages include:
- Long range – By having your vehicle installed with LPG you can essentially cover twice as much distance as you would have covered with petrol alone. This is because you have the 2 energy sources at your disposal, therefore, you can use LPG and then when you’re almost running out switch to petrol and continue with your journey.Â
- Safe for the environment – Global warming has become a real issue today and might become an even greater issue in the years to come if we all don’t play our part in caring for the environment. By converting your car to LPG you emit less carbon and therefore reducing your carbon footprint.Â
- Safer than petrol – Otogas tanks are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions, and if for any reason LPG escapes the tank it just dissipates into the air.
- A wide range of vehicles can be converted – Any vehicle manufactured on or after 1st January 2001 can be converted to use the LPG kit
Disadvantages of Converting a Vehicle From Petrol to LPG
- Loss of the spare wheel or part of the boot as these are the places where the new LPG tank will be placed.
- Unlike petrol LPG is not powerful and therefore you cannot run fully on gas alone you will need to use petrol at some point especially when overtaking or going up a hill.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to cut down on fuel costs or simply want to emit less carbon you cannot go wrong by installing a gas kit on your car.
The benefits are tremendous as we have covered above and based on how the auto industry is evolving in the near future, we might all completely ditch gas-powered cars and shift to other alternatives. We have seen a surge in hybrid cars, electric cars, and gas-powered cars.
Let us know if this article was helpful to you and if you have done the petrol to LPG conversion share with us your experience via the below comment box.
Kevin this is awesome content — it’s a one stop shopping and I really appreciate your effort since I got everything I was looking for. Well done and keep it up!
Thank you for the kind words, George. I am glad to hear the article was of help to you.
very helpful info and thanks
You’re welcome
Very informative encouraging money saving options . Do you convert stationary petrol and diesel engines? If so how much do you charge?
Hello Jonah, this article is a rundown of how to convert a car from petrol to LPG (Gas) in Kenya.
Autogas does the actual conversion, please take a look at their website for their contact details. We have also highlighted the cost implications above.
How much is the overall cost and where are you based?
Hello Kindly note, the Conversion is done by Otogas, You can get in touch with them via their official Website.
Very helpful and knowledgeable information.
Thank you for your feedback. Glad to know the article was of help to you.
Kindly give me places where I can refill gas.thanks
Kindly check with otogas on their website
Cool thing. But u r taking too long to call. I went through the inspection and my car passed. It’s almost two weeks… I can’t wait to save…
I do over
1000km per week. For me it’s not power but that saving
Hello Kindly note we’re not in any way affiliated with Otogas. You should contact them via their official phone number that is available on their website.
Good morning Kevin.I’ve been an ardent reader of your articles. They’re very informative. You are fully conversant with things about motor vehicles and motorbikes. Anyway, I’m looking for a vehicle which is 650cc Y.O.M from 2012 to use in uber business. Could you be knowing where I can buy a vehicle at a reasonable price?
Hello Kevin, Thank you for your positive feedback, I am flattered. I can assist you with sourcing the car you want. Kindly reach me on 0706867677.