Natural Gas vs LPG: What Should You Get?

Aside from electricity powering Kiwi homes, gas can be a common source of power for many utilities. Whether it’s used for frying dinner on a stovetop, or heating the water for a well-earned bath after work, gas has a range of uses, and may even be a cost-effective alternative to relying solely on electricity. But which type of gas reigns supreme? We are, of course, referring to the contest between natural gas and LPG.

What’s the difference between LPG and natural gas?

The main difference between natural gas and LPG is how they are supplied to a customer. Natural gas is distributed via the mains pipe that is connected to a household and used for cooking or heating water. Conversely, LPG is supplied in a cylinder or tank, and is then connected to a specific appliance, such as a barbeque or outdoor heater

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Is LPG propane?

Yes, LPG consists mainly of propane – a type of gas produced as a by-product of refining or processing other fossil fuels. Otherwise known as ‘liquified petroleum gas’, LPG produces a slightly higher level of heat than natural gas, but will need to be replaced once the cylinder’s lifespan has come to end (i.e. run out of gas).

Is natural gas methane?

Natural gas is composed of methane gas, an odourless and highly combustible gas sourced from onshore or offshore fuel deposits. Methane gas is lighter than air and dissipates at a much higher rate than LPG if leaking, which can be a safety benefit of natural gas.

What are the advantages of natural gas?

Here are the main advantages of natural gas:

• Practical and reliable: a source of energy with a constant flow of supply directly into your home
• Cheaper running costs: can be less expensive to run for gas cooking, hot water and heating
• Less harsh on the environment: emits slightly less carbon dioxide than LPG and other fossil fuels

Natural gas tip: only use a licensed gas fitter to install appliances and keep all applications maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty. Also, keep an eye on your gas meter or pipes for any damage that may disrupt gas supply.

What are the advantages of LPG?

Here are the biggest advantages of LPG?

• Portability: can be moved around, transported and stored if or when required
• Higher heat: burns at a higher temperature for greater cooking efficiency
• Great for rural customers: ideal for those who live in regional areas or without access to natural gas lines

LPG tip: if you don’t know how much gas is left in your LPG cycliner, try pouring hot water down it. After a minute or two, place your hand on the cylinder and the area that’s cool to touch indicates its gas level.

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Is LPG cheaper than natural gas?

Natural gas is generally cheaper per megajoule (MJ) than LPG. However, natural gas customers will need to pay a supply charge – a daily fee which varies between $1 and $1.60 for being connected to the mains gas network. LPG customers may have to pay a ‘service charge’ that covers the cost of renting gas cylinders, which usually costs between $60 – $150 a year.

The price customers pay for natural gas or LPG will also depend on how much gas their household consumes. For instance, a home with higher gas usage will be better suited to natural gas, whereas customers with low to moderate usage should consider LPG, regardless of whether a mains gas connection is available.

Take the above information as a general guide only and remember that gas suppliers will vary in price depending on where you live. Also, the price of natural gas and LPG can fluctuate in line with global market supply and exchange rates, meaning gas retailers can change rates at their discretion. According to Consumer NZ, natural gas had, by far, the highest increase in daily charges in their latest study of home heating costs.

LPG suppliers

Keep in mind this list does not feature all LPG suppliers as there may be local companies servicing your area.

• Genesis
• Rockgas
• Elgas
• Frank Energy
• Vector Ongas

Natural gas suppliers

• Genesis
• Mercury
• Contact
• Nova Energy
• Frank Energy

There may be more natural gas suppliers operating in your area.

LPG vs Natural Gas: Which is better?

If price is what will ultimately sway your decision, then both LPG and natural gas can be affordable options. However, this will depend on a number of key factors, such as your location, gas suppliers available in your area, household gas usage and the current base rates of gas plans. There may even be greater deals or savings on offer if bundled with electricity.

The daily supply charge of natural gas will be the difference in price between LPG. That being said, if gas is used on a regular basis, natural gas could be a more reliable option as opposed to constantly replacing LPG cylinders.

About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.