Liquified Petroleum Gas vs Natural Gas – LPG vs Natural Gas – Natural Gas and LPG Gas Differences – What is LPG & What is LPG gas?
Natural gas and LPG gas are chemically different gases, as methane makes up natural gas and LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – is propane or butane (bottled gas).
There is a higher energy content for liquified petroleum gas vs natural gas (LPG vs natural gas or LPG v natural gas), so less LPG gas is needed.
Heat content is 93.2MJ/m³ for LPG gas and natural gas is at 38.7MJ/m³.
The air to gas ratio for LPG vs natural gas combustion is about 25:1 for LPG gas vs natural gas and natural gas is at a 10:1 ratio.
The difference between natural gas and LPG gas is that they are different gases with different distribution, as well as different energy content, density, gas to air mix for combustion and working pressure.
Propane is liquified petroleum gas vs natural gas (LPG gas vs natural gas or LPG v natural gas) and natural gas is methane.
Gas bottles are used to supply LPG versus natural gas (LPG v natural gas) conveyed by pipeline.
Comparing natural gas and LPG, LPG has more than double the energy content at 93.2MJ/m³ for LPG gas and natural gas is at 38.7MJ/m³, so LPG is much more efficient than natural gas and is now cheaper in many cases.
LPG To Gas – Vaporisation
LPG to gas describes the vaporisation process by which liquid LPG turns to gas.
LPG to gas occurs when you release some of the pressure by turning on an appliance.
The liquid LPG actually boils, turning LPG to gas, which is called vaporisation.
This is one of the major differences when you compare natural gas and LPG.
LPG is stored and transported as a liquid but used as a gas in most applications.
Natural gas and LPG gas differ inasmuch as natural gas does not liquify when compressed.
Natural gas is always gaseous except when cryogenically cooled.
LPG Gas vs Natural Gas – Summary of Key Differences
- Propane and butane make up LPG vs natural gas and natural gas is methane
- LPG has a higher calorific value, or energy content, so less gas is required to produce the same amount of heat with LPG gas and natural gas requires more.
- For proper combustion, the oxygen to gas ratio of approximately 25 to 1 is for LPG gas and natural gas requires a ratio of around 10 to 1.
- LPG gas vs natural gas (LPG v natural gas) are different chemicals with different formulae: LPG: Propane is C3H8 & butane is C4H10 and natural gas is methane CH4
- Heavier than air describes LPG gas vs natural gas and natural gas is lighter than air
- Energy content is 93.2MJ/m³ for LPG gas and natural gas is at 38.7MJ/m³.
- The air to gas ratio for combustion is at a 25 to 1 ratio for LPG v natural gas and natural gas is at a 10 to 1 ratio
- Pressurisation liquefies LPG versus natural gas and natural gas is cryogenically turned to liquefied natural gas – LNG. Natural gas and LPG differ inasmuch as LPG liquefies when compressed and natural gas does not.
- Distribution is in gas bottles and tanks for LPG gas vs natural gas and natural gas being conveyed via pipeline
- Appliances operate at 2.75 kPa on LPG v natural gas and natural gas appliances at 1.1 kPa
LPG is not natural gas but it is derived from oil refining and natural gas processing.
LPG is better because it has a higher energy content than natural gas and it is portable and available everywhere, and in many cases it is now less expensive.
Natural gas is better than LPG when it comes to delivery through pipes and natural gas produces slightly less CO2 when burned.
However, natural gas and LPG are virtually indistinguishable when used.
Comparing LPG vs natural gas (LPG v natural gas), propane is heavier than air and natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate more quickly if there is a leak, which may be a safety benefit over LPG.
In summary, the differences between LPG v natural gas are different energy content, density, storage, delivery methods and the amount of air required for proper combustion.
Propane is not natural gas but natural gas processing is one source of propane and natural gas.
So, natural gas and LPG are not the same, even though both are flammable hydrocarbon gases.
However, natural gas and LPG gas are used for many of the same applications.
In Australia, we rely on natural gas and LPG gas for our energy needs.
Natural gas and LPG gas are widely available and used for thousands of applications in homes and business.
What is LPG? What is LPG Gas?
What is LPG and what is LPG gas? Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) describes flammable hydrocarbon gases including propane, butane and mixtures of these gases.
What is LPG gas source? LPG gas comes from processing of natural gas and crude oil refining.
What is LPG gas production process? LPG gas comes from processing of natural gas and it is LPG in gas, and oil refining. LPG gas is liquefied through pressurization and stored in LPG gas bottles and LPG gas tanks.
What is LPG gas storage and distribution? LPG gas is stored and distributed in gas bottles. Bulk LPG gas is stored in large LPG ‘bullets’ and distributed via LPG tanker trucks.
What is LPG gas used for? It is used as LPG in gas heating, cooking and auto fuel, as well as many other applications.
What is LPG gas vs propane? Comparing liquid petroleum gas – LPG vs propane, they are one in the same.
Propane is LPG but not all LPG is propane.
What is LPG gas constituents? LPG can also be butane, isobutane and a number of other NGLs.
What is LPG gas price compared to natural gas? LPG gas is often less expensive than natural gas, especially for low to moderate volume users.
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Liquid Petroleum Gas vs Natural Gas Properties (Propane vs Methane)
The difference between liquid petroleum gas vs natural gas (LPG v natural gas) is easiest to see in their physical properties.
Energy content of liquid petroleum gas vs natural gas (93.2MJ/m3 vs 38.7MJ/m3) has LPG with a higher energy content.
LPG is more dense than natural gas, at a specific gravity of 1.5219:1 and natural gas at 0.5537:1.
See other differences shown in this table:
|
Natural Gas vs LPG Gas – Properties
|
LPG
(Propane)
|
Natural Gas
(Methane)
|
|
Chemical Formula
|
C3H8
|
CH4
|
|
Energy Content: MJ/m3
|
93.2
|
38.7
|
|
Energy Content: Btu/ft3
|
2572
|
1011
|
|
Energy Content: MJ/kg
|
49.58
|
52.5
|
|
Boiling Temp: Cº
|
-42
|
-161.5
|
|
Flame Temp: Cº
|
1967
|
1950
|
|
Flame Temp: Fº
|
3573
|
3542
|
|
Gas Volume: m3/kg
|
0.540
|
1.499
|
|
Specific Gravity
|
1.5219
|
0.5537
|
|
Density @15ºC: kg/m3
|
1.899
|
0.668
|
Note: Some LPG v Natural Gas numbers have been rounded.
What is the Difference Between CNG, LPG vs Natural Gas?
CNG – compressed natural gas (natural gas in bottles), natural gas and LPG are all different. Natural gas is methane vs LPG which is propane, butane, isobutane or a mixture of the three.
The only difference between compressed natural gas and natural gas from pipelines is the mode of delivery.
Mains gas (natural gas) is delivered through pipelines and natural gas bottles are used to deliver CNG.
Comparing LPG gas and natural gas bottles, LPG gas bottles are lighter and natural gas bottles for CNG are heavier, because the gas is at a much higher pressure.
The calorific value of compressed natural gas and natural gas from pipelines is the same at 38.7MJ/m3 vs LPG at 93.2MJ/m3.
Is LPG Gas Cheaper than Natural Gas?
Is LPG gas cheaper than natural gas?
When considering LPG vs natural gas (LPG v natural gas) cost, times have changed and natural gas is no longer the presumed low cost option.
New higher natural gas tariffs and the average cost of natural gas vs LPG or LPG v natural gas and makes LPG cheaper than natural gas in many situations.
Natural gas is generally cheaper than LPG for the gas itself.
However, natural gas suppliers require a daily supply charge for being connected to the mains gas network that can exceed $400 per year, before any gas is used.
This can make LPG cheaper and natural gas more expensive in many instances.
LPG has a higher energy content and the relative positions of LPG versus natural gas (LPG v natural gas) price has changed over time, with LPG now cheaper than natural gas in many cases.
Under $200 per year for LPG vs natural gas (natural gas vs LPG) price of $539 per year, in one cooking only example.
LPG gas is not more expensive than natural gas and natural gas is often more expensive when comparing total cost.
Many customers now find that it is cheaper to go with LPG v natural gas.
For some low volume users in particular, the total cost of the LPG is cheaper and may be less than half of the cost of the natural gas.
Due to exports, natural gas price is now driven upward by the world price for LNG – Liquefied Natural Gas (natural gas cryogenically cooled).
In addition, natural gas suppliers charge for something called a ‘Daily Supply Charge’ or by a similar name.
This is, in reality, a network access charge for being hooked up to the natural gas pipelines.
The problem is that the price of the Daily Supply Charge has been escalating and natural gas is now over $1 per day in many areas.
This amounts to over $400 per year, before you even get the first molecule of gas, and natural gas has a number of tariffs.
It also depends on where you are located and how much gas you use.
Your location matters because of the different ways that the two gases are priced.
LPG is typically cheaper for low volume users, and natural gas Daily Supply Charge can total to more than $400 per year.
The situation may be different for higher volume users and with varying tariffs.
The end result in an LPG vs natural gas comparison makes LPG cheaper than natural gas in many circumstances and especially for residential users with low to moderate rates of consumption*.
*The above describes the situation in Australia. The gas market in different countries may vary.
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Eric Hahn has over a decade of experience in the LPG industry and has become a key figure in shaping how LPG is marketed and communicated. As the creator of one of the world’s first LPG blogs, Eric has authored over 200 technical posts, helping educate and inform the industry and consumers.
Eric has served on multiple committees for Gas Energy Australia and the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to important discussions and advancements within the global LPG sector. He has presented at WLPGA Annual Conferences, sharing his expertise as a speaker, panellist, and panel chair.
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Steve Reynolds
Technical Consultant
Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.
Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.