Russians Turn to LPG as Fuel Crisis Deepens

Russian drivers are converting their cars to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in growing numbers as Ukrainian drone attacks on domestic oil refineries continue to disrupt fuel supplies. The strikes have contributed to a nationwide gasoline shortage, soaring fuel prices and long lines at filling stations.

Yegor Popov of the Moscow-based company Garant-Gas said demand for LPG conversions has increased severalfold, with the company's order book already full through September.

LPG was already relatively inexpensive and widely available in Russia before the current fuel crisis, making the country one of the world's largest users of the fuel. According to the World LPG Association, Russia consumed about 3.5 million metric tons of LPG in 2024. Official government data show that motor fuel accounted for 54% of domestic LPG consumption last year.

Auto repair shops across the country are also reporting a surge in inquiries. Sergey Medvedev of Medvedev GBO said his company now receives hundreds of phone calls each day but has the capacity to convert only a fraction of the vehicles requested.

According to Medvedev, switching to propane-butane currently offers substantial savings because LPG costs between one-half and two-thirds less than gasoline. He added that drivers also avoid the kilometer-long queues that have become common at many Russian filling stations.

(Reuters, Max)