If you’re shopping for a gas cooktop or just moved into a home with gas bottles out the back, you’ve probably asked yourself: what is LPG? Here’s everything you need to know about this common household fuel – explained in plain language for everyday cooks.
What is LPG (Liquid / Liquefied Petroleum Gas)?
LPG stands for liquid petroleum gas or liquefied petroleum gas – the two terms mean the same thing. You’ll also see it written as LP gas or gas LPG. It’s a flammable fuel made mainly from propane and butane, stored as a liquid inside gas cylinders and used across Australia for cooking, hot water and heating.
LPG is versatile and can be used for cooking, heating, and even as automotive fuel. Around two million Australian households use LPG indoors, and the fuel contributes over $3.5 billion annually to Australia’s economy. It provides instant heat with precise temperature control, which is exactly why home cooks love it on a gas cooktop.
Here’s how it works in your kitchen:
- LPG is stored under pressure as a liquid inside a gas bottle or cylinder.
- When you turn the valve on your cooktop, the liquid vaporises and flows to your burner as propane gas.
- In Australia, domestic LPG is typically 100% propane, which vaporises reliably even in cooler weather – ideal for year-round cooking.
How is LPG Made? (From Natural Gas and Crude Oil)
LPG isn’t drilled for on its own. It’s a by-product of two major fossil fuels processes: natural gas extraction and crude oil refining. Globally, about 62% of LPG is extracted from natural gas, with the rest coming from refineries. Global LPG production reached over 292 million metric tons in 2015, showing just how significant this fuel is worldwide.
About 80% of Australia’s LPG comes from natural gas extraction. Here’s the simplified process:
- From natural gas: Raw natural gas contains heavier hydrocarbons like propane and butane alongside methane. Processing plants separate these natural gas liquids, compress them, and the result is liquefied petroleum gas ready for LPG bottles.
- From crude oil: During refining, crude oil is heated and “cracked” into products like gasoline, diesel, and lighter gases. Roughly 3% of a barrel of crude oil is refined into LPG.
One key difference: LPG is transported in liquid form while natural gas is gaseous and requires cryogenic conditions to liquefy. LPG liquefies at much higher temperatures, making it far easier to handle in home gas cylinders. Regardless of whether your LPG production source was natural gas or crude oil, the refined fuel behaves identically at your cooktop – you won’t notice any difference in your gas supply.
LPG vs Natural Gas: Which is Better for Gas Cooktops?
Both LPG and natural gas are popular for cooking, but they differ in supply, energy output, and cost structure.
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane and ethane and is delivered via underground pipelines to homes connected to gas mains. LPG, being mainly propane, arrives in LPG cylinders or a bulk tank on your property. Unlike natural gas, LPG does not require fixed pipeline infrastructure, making it ideal for remote areas and remote locations without mains access.
LPG has a higher calorific value than natural gas, meaning it burns hotter and delivers stronger, more responsive flames. For home cooks who love searing and stir-frying on a wok burner, this is a real advantage.
LPG pros for kitchen use:
- Hotter flame for high demand cooking like wok work and searing
- Available anywhere in Australia – no gas mains needed
- No daily supply charge from an energy retailer
Natural gas pros:
- Generally lower cost per unit of energy for high usage households
- Continuous supply without managing bottle swaps
- Convenient for customers already connected
On the environmental side, LPG burns more cleanly than higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and has a lower environmental impact compared to several other fossil fuels. LPG emits 81% of the carbon dioxide per kWh produced by oil and releases less CO2 per unit of energy than coal. Its carbon emissions profile contributes to improved local air quality due to lower particulate and nitrogen oxides output, and it has a lower global warming potential than coal and oil. Replacing traditional cookstoves with LPG reduces household air pollution. LPG provides significant advantages over traditional fuels like coal and electricity due to high efficiency, supporting broader emissions reductions and progress toward net zero goals.
Most modern gas appliance models can be configured for either fuel, but switching requires different jets, regulators, and a licensed gas fitter. Never attempt a DIY conversion.
In short: LPG is a strong, cost effective option for homes off the gas mains, or for any cook who values powerful, controllable flames.
LPG in Everyday Home Use: Cooktops, Hot Water and Heating
In a typical Australian home, LPG is used for heating, cooking, and hot water. Many home cooks prefer a visible flame for precise control – something electric cooktops simply can’t replicate.
A standard 45 kg LPG gas bottle connects via a regulator and copper or flexible gas hose piping to your indoor household appliances. Common LPG appliances include:
- Gas cooktops and freestanding stoves
- Instant hot water systems (continuous flow)
- Space heaters and in-floor heating
- Outdoor BBQ gas bottles and patio heaters
LPG can be utilised for both domestic and commercial water heating solutions, and it’s often used in outdoor cooking applications. Beyond the home, LPG fuels forklift engines and industrial boilers, is used in agricultural applications such as crop drying and powering industrial machinery, powers internal combustion engines in vehicles and transport, and even runs off-the-grid refrigeration systems for businesses in remote areas.
How much gas do you need? That depends on your LPG usage. If you’re only using a cooktop with a medium burner (about 9 MJ/hr) for one hour daily, a 45 kg cylinder provides roughly 244 hours of cook time – potentially lasting well over six months. Add hot water systems to the mix, and that same bottle might last a family of four around two to three months.
For BBQ gas bottles or portable cooking, a 9 kg gas bottle is the standard. Many domestic users opt for a dual-bottle setup with automatic changeover so the LPG supply never runs dry mid-dinner. Gas services from providers typically include bottle delivery by a delivery driver, installation of regulators, safety checks, and advice on the right cylinder size. Frontier Economics and Acil Allen have both contributed research to Australia’s gas industry on efficient LPG supply models for the Australian Gas Industry Trust.
Safety Basics for LPG Gas Bottles and Cooktops
LPG is very safe for cooking and hot water when installed and maintained correctly. Australian safety standards – including AS/NZS 1596 – tightly regulate LP gas cylinders, fittings, and installations.
Here’s how petroleum gas LPG behaves: it’s heavier than air. If there’s a leak, vapour sinks and can collect in low spaces like under cabinets. A strong odour (mercaptan) is added so you can detect leaks by smell. OSHA sets the LPG exposure limit at 1000 ppm over 8 hours. LPG should never be used indoors without proper ventilation, and LPG must be stored in well-ventilated areas at all times.
LPG containers have pressure relief valves to prevent explosions. However, a large fire can cause LPG bullet tanks or cylinders to rupture violently, which is why correct storage and clearances matter.
Kitchen safety tips:
- Keep your gas cooktop area well ventilated – open a window or use a rangehood
- Never block burner ports; clean them regularly
- Turn knobs fully off after cooking
- Replace your gas hose every five years and check the o ring on fittings
- Have a licensed gas fitter inspect any irregular flames (yellow tipping or soot)
Gas bottle safety:
- Always keep LPG bottles upright and store cylinders outdoors
- Check the date stamp on every cylinder – out-of-date or rusty gas bottles should not be refilled
- Gas cylinders must be periodically inspected and re-certified by qualified professionals
- Use soapy water on connections to check for bubbles that indicate a leak
If you smell gas:
- Turn off the gas appliance and close the gas bottle valve
- Open all doors and windows
- Do not use flames, switches, or electricity nearby
- Leave the area if the smell is strong
- Call a licensed gas fitter or emergency services
Whether you’re in Western Australia or regional Queensland, understanding your LPG setup means safer, more confident cooking. If you’re new to gas or considering replacing an electric cooktop, talk to a licensed gas fitter about the right LPG solution for your home – from choosing the correct gas bottle size to ensuring efficient, safe installation.