Whatever happened to LPG-fuelled cars?

For motorists running an LPG-fuelled car, finding somewhere to fill up has become increasingly difficult.

Over the past decade, the number of service stations selling LPG in Western Australia has dropped from 329 to just 50.

As vehicles with internal combustion engines have become more fuel-efficient, the interest in running a car on LPG has declined.

In WA, there are around 1.6 million vehicles that use unleaded petrol, compared to only 20,000 that use LPG. With such a small and declining market, very few fuel outlets find it viable to sell LPG.

Those that do still sell it have raised their retail margins to stay profitable, but most, if not all, are currently operating at a loss with this product, according to Consumer Protection WA.

Because of this, FuelWatch expects LPG availability will continue to decline over the coming years.

Most of the remaining outlets are in the Perth metropolitan area between Mindarie and Mandurah.

For those running LPG vehicles in regional areas, the shortage is even more acute.

There are no longer any fuel outlets offering LPG in the Great Southern region, and only four left in the South West. North of Perth, there are just two retailers selling LPG between Yanchep and Geraldton.

If your car has dual tanks, consider only filling up with unleaded petrol, as it is likely to be more cost-effective.

To find your nearest LPG outlet, check FuelWatch.