LPG and CNG in 2025: Still Worth It? Consumption and Savings Analysis

Last updated: March 2025

Introduction: The Alternative Fuels Landscape

In an era of constant evolution in the automotive sector and growing attention to environmental sustainability, many motorists are asking a fundamental question: is it still worth investing in LPG or CNG vehicles in 2025? With the advancement of electric vehicles and new emissions regulations, the landscape has changed significantly compared to the past.

In this article, we’ll analyze in detail the costs, consumption, and benefits of LPG and CNG-powered cars in the current context, providing you with concrete data for an informed choice. Together, we’ll discover if these alternative fuels still represent a valid option for saving money and reducing pollution.

LPG and CNG Market Status

The market has historically shown a strong preference for vehicles powered by LPG and CNG. In 2025, despite the growth of electric vehicles, these alternative fuels maintain a significant presence:

• LPG represents about 7.3% of the circulating car fleet
• CNG constitutes 2.6% of cars in circulation
• The infrastructure counts over 4,200 LPG stations and about 1,500 CNG distributors

The distribution network, although not as extensive as that of traditional fuels, ensures adequate coverage in urban areas and on major road arteries. However, it’s important to note that the expansion of electric charging stations is proceeding at a faster pace.

Cost Analysis: Fuel Comparison

One of the main reasons many motorists choose LPG or CNG is economic savings. Let’s analyze the average costs updated to March 2025:

*Calculated on a C-segment car with average consumption **Average public charging rate

The savings on fuel costs compared to gasoline are evident:

• LPG: about 43% savings
• CNG: about 55% savings

However, these data need to be contextualized by considering the additional costs of the system and its maintenance.

Real Savings: Calculations and Considerations

To assess actual cost-effectiveness, it’s necessary to consider:

1. System cost:

   • Aftermarket LPG system: €1,200-1,800
   • Aftermarket CNG system: €2,000-3,000
   • Factory bi-fuel vehicle premium: €1,000-2,000

2. Investment amortization:

   • For a car that travels 15,000 km/year, the LPG system is amortized in about 18-24 months
   • For CNG, with the same mileage, amortization requires 20-28 months

3. Specific maintenance:

   • LPG tank inspection every 10 years: €250-300
   • CNG tank inspection every 4-5 years: €150-200
   • Replacement of specific filters: €50-100/year

A practical calculation: a driver who travels 20,000 km per year with a gasoline car that consumes 6 liters/100km, switching to LPG can save about €960 per year on fuel costs. Considering a system costing €1,500, the break-even point is reached in about 19 months.

Important note: these calculations can vary significantly depending on the car model, driving style, and fuel price fluctuations. For precise monitoring of your actual consumption, an app like Magica Mileage Tracker can make a difference.

Measure and optimize your actual consumption with Magica! Download the app and start saving today.

Environmental Impact: Emissions Comparison

The economic aspect is not the only factor to consider. CO2 emissions and other pollutants represent an increasingly relevant element in motorists’ choices:

*Average values for recently produced C-segment vehicles

Besides CO2, LPG and CNG cars produce:

• Lower quantities of particulate matter (PM10)
• Reduced levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Practically zero sulfur emissions

This more virtuous environmental profile often translates into:

• Access to Limited Traffic Zones in many cities
• Fewer restrictions during traffic blocks
• Reduction in vehicle tax in some regions

Pros and Cons in 2025

LPG Advantages

✅ Fuel cost significantly lower than gasoline
✅ Extensive distribution network
✅ Lower pollutant emissions compared to traditional fuels
✅ Relatively contained installation cost
✅ Facilitated access to Limited Traffic Zones in many cities

LPG Disadvantages

❌ Limitations in underground parking in some structures
❌ Reduction in trunk volume (for aftermarket installations)
❌ Mandatory tank inspection every 10 years
❌ Reduced range compared to gasoline with the same tank volume

CNG Advantages

✅ Maximum economic savings among traditional fuels
✅ Lower pollutant emissions (better than LPG)
✅ Greater range compared to LPG with the same space
✅ More substantial incentives in some regions
✅ Possibility of home refueling (with dedicated systems)

CNG Disadvantages

❌ Higher system cost compared to LPG
❌ Less extensive distributor network
❌ Greater bulk of tanks
❌ More frequent tank inspections (every 4-5 years)
❌ Longer refueling times

In the 2025 context, with the growing diffusion of electric vehicles, it’s essential to evaluate your specific situation:

Monitor your actual consumption and discover which fuel type is best suited to your habits! Download Magica Mileage Tracker and analyze your trips in detail.

How to Monitor Actual Consumption

One of the main challenges for bi-fuel vehicle users is tracking actual consumption and calculating real savings. Often the data declared by manufacturers differ significantly from real ones, influenced by:

• Personal driving style
• Traffic conditions
• Regular routes (urban or extra-urban)
• Outside temperature
• Vehicle maintenance

For this reason, using a dedicated app like Magica Mileage Tracker can really make a difference. This application, specifically developed for iOS users, allows you to:

• Automatically track your trips without having to open the app
• Accurately record distance traveled and fuel consumption
• Monitor the costs of each refueling
• Analyze detailed statistics on consumption
• Calculate the CO2 emissions produced
• Compare performance between different fuel types

The accuracy of these data will allow you to objectively evaluate the convenience of LPG or CNG for your specific use case.

Take control of your consumption! Download Magica Mileage Tracker and discover how much you really spend on your car.

Conclusions and Practical Advice

In 2025, LPG and CNG still represent a valid option for those looking to reduce their car’s operating costs and environmental impact, offering an interesting compromise between traditional combustion engines and more expensive electric vehicles.

For whom LPG or CNG is still worthwhile:

• Medium-range commuters (20-100 km daily) who don’t have access to electric charging infrastructure
• Professionals and freelancers who travel many annual kilometers (over 15,000 km)
• Second car owners looking to contain operating costs
• Those living in areas with traffic restrictions based on emissions
• Those who cannot afford the initial investment required by an electric vehicle

Practical tips to maximize savings:

1. Constantly monitor consumption with a dedicated app like Magica Mileage Tracker
2. Compare prices of different distributors in your area
3. Regularly maintain the LPG or CNG system
4. Adopt an efficient driving style (gradual starts, constant speed)
5. Consider the possibility of converting an existing car if you plan to keep it for a long time

The key to an informed choice is having accurate data on your actual consumption and driving habits. Only then can you determine with certainty if LPG or CNG still represent the most convenient solution for your specific needs.

Don’t rely on feelings: measure your consumption accurately! Download Magica Mileage Tracker now and transform data into real savings.

Magica Mileage Tracker is the digital assistant for iOS that allows you to keep track of and manage your car, consumption, costs, refueling, maintenance, and all data on your trips. The app automatically recognizes when you’re driving, tracks your routes, and helps you save on the operating costs of your vehicle, whether it’s powered by gasoline, diesel, LPG, CNG, or electricity.