What do people think and how does it work?
A range of passenger and sport utility vehicles is examined to show where the savings from gas conversions are most noticeable and what limits may apply. The Lada Largus serves as the baseline for everyday cars. Historically, residents of Togliatti offered a dual-fuel CNG option. At the other end of the spectrum sits the large Nissan Patrol, known for high fuel use. Between them sits the Mitsubishi Outlander, a mid-size crossover with a 2.4 liter engine, representing a balanced choice.
Typical fuel consumption shows the Largus at about 9 liters per 100 kilometers, the Outlander using a few liters more, and the Patrol consuming a remarkable 20 liters per 100 kilometers. It is no surprise that the Patrol is a popular candidate for LPG installation, with nearly half of these SUVs running on gas. Additionally, many new vehicles are rarely converted due to factory warranty concerns.
In 2021, propane-butane prices reached a peak, roughly 40 rubles per liter. Today, gas costs are under 20 rubles in most regions. A notable trend is that methane has become more expensive than propane-butane, now around 21.5 rubles per cubic meter while propane-butane remains cheaper at 20 rubles per liter. Gas infrastructure remains limited, with around six hundred gas filling points across the country, and HBO installations often cost about 70,000 rubles. These factors have cooled interest in natural gas among motorists. In specialized centers, the focus has shifted toward liquefied gas systems, and there are sufficient equipment stocks, including imports, to meet demand for the near term.
Calculation
Lada Largus
Experience shows the Largus averages 9 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers. With petrol at 53 rubles per liter, the cost per kilometer is approximately 4.77 rubles. At 15,000 kilometers per year, annual fuel costs reach about 71,550 rubles. At 50,000 kilometers, costs rise to about 238,500 rubles.
Using HBO, gas consumption runs higher by about 15 to 25 percent, so the per kilometer cost drops to around 2.16 rubles. Over 15,000 kilometers, fuel costs are near 32,400 rubles, and at 50,000 kilometers about 108,000 rubles. The HBO installation can pay for itself within roughly a year, though registration paperwork with traffic authorities can add about 7,000 rubles. Regular maintenance for the gas system is needed every 10,000 kilometers, typically around 2,000 rubles per visit, with added downtime costs if the car operates as a taxi or commercial vehicle.
Power drops of up to 10 percent can occur when switching to gas, and the Largus’s performance, already modest, can feel noticeably slower on propane-butane. The gas cylinder also reduces trunk space, which can be a significant drawback for smaller cars.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander averages 12 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers, resulting in a per-kilometer cost of about 6.36 rubles. Over 15,000 kilometers, that costs around 95,400 rubles, and over 50,000 kilometers, about 318,000 rubles.
With gas, the cost per kilometer falls to roughly 2.88 rubles. For 15,000 kilometers, gas costs are around 43,200 rubles and for 50,000 kilometers about 144,000 rubles. The savings become clearer, and the HBO installation typically recoups the investment in less than a year. This makes it a compelling option to consider.
Nissan Patrol
With high fuel use, the Patrol averages around 20 liters per 100 kilometers, equating to roughly 10.6 rubles per kilometer. Annually, 15,000 kilometers cost about 159,000 rubles, and 50,000 kilometers about 530,000 rubles. Converting to HBO reduces the per-kilometer cost to around 4.8 rubles, with 15,000 kilometers costing about 72,000 rubles and 50,000 kilometers around 240,000 rubles. The financial benefit is substantial for a high-power SUV, and even with a higher upfront HBO kit price—roughly 70 to 90 thousand rubles—the performance impact remains minimal for many drivers.
Valve and engine performance losses after switching to gas are modest for powerful engines, and overall power remains adequate. The gas balloon equipment, including installation, generally ranges from 30 thousand to 100 thousand rubles depending on the kit and vehicle model.
Bottom line
Given current price dynamics, converting vehicles to gas can be economically sensible again. The larger the engine and the more miles driven, the more pronounced the savings from HBO. For sizable SUVs and minivans, this path often makes sense. A realistic comparison of costs and benefits shows that the investment can pay off within a year under typical usage patterns. It is wise to weigh trunk space concerns and maintenance needs before deciding to convert a smaller car. Each driver should calculate the numbers for their own situation, as the analysis above provides a solid framework for decision making.
- Driving information can also be accessed via messaging apps later.