LPG vs Natural Gas – Difference Between LPG & Natural Gas

LPG & Natural Gas are chemically different gases, as natural gas is methane gas whilst LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – is propane or butane (bottled gas).

There is a higher energy content for LPG vs natural gas, so less LPG gas is needed.

LPG heat content is 93.2MJ/m³ vs natural gas at 38.7MJ/m³. The air to gas ratio for LPG vs natural gas combustion is about 25:1 for LPG vs natural gas at a 10:1 ratio.

The difference between LPG and natural gas is that they are different gases with different distribution, as well as different energy content, density, gas:air mix for combustion and working pressure.

Propane is LPG vs natural gas as methane.

Gas bottles are used to supply LPG vs natural gas conveyed by pipeline.

LPG compared to natural gas has more than double the energy content at 93.2MJ/m³ vs natural gas at 38.7MJ/m³, so LPG is much more efficient than natural gas and is now cheaper in many cases.

LPG vs Natural Gas – Summary of Key Differences

• LPG has a higher calorific value, or energy content, so less gas is required to produce the same amount of heat.
• For proper combustion, LPG requires an oxygen to gas ratio of approximately 25 to 1. Natural gas requires a ratio of around 10 to 1.
• LPG is propane and butane vs natural gas which is methane
• LPG vs natural gas are different chemicals with different formulae: LPG: Propane is C₃H₈ & Butane is C₄H₁₀ whilst Natural Gas – Methane is CH₄
• LPG is heavier than air vs natural gas which is lighter than air
• LPG has a higher energy content at 93.2MJ/m³ vs natural gas at 38.7MJ/m³
• LPG requires a higher air to gas ratio for combustion at a 25 to 1 ratio vs 10 to 1 ratio for natural gas
• LPG is liquefied through pressurisation vs natural gas which is cryogenically turned to liquefied natural gas – LNG
• LPG is distributed in gas bottles and tanks vs natural gas being conveyed via pipeline
• LPG appliances operate at 2.75 kPa vs 1.1 kPa for natural gas appliances

LPG is not natural gas but it is derived from natural gas processing.

LPG is better than natural gas because it has a higher energy content, 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 the fact that it produces slightly less CO₂ when burned.

Comparing LPG vs natural gas, propane is heavier than air and will settle whilst 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 vs 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.

So, LPG (LP) gas is not the same as natural gas, even though both are flammable hydrocarbon gases. However, they are used for many of the same applications.

In Australia, we rely on LPG, natural gas, LNG and CNG for our energy needs.

LPG and Natural Gas are widely available and used for thousands of applications in homes and business.

Difference Between LPG vs Natural Gas Properties (Propane vs Methane)

The difference between LPG vs natural gas is easiest to see in their physical properties.

Energy content of LPG 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 vs 0.5537:1.

See other differences shown in this table:

Note: Some LPG vs Natural Gas numbers have been rounded.

What is the Difference Between CNG, LPG vs Natural Gas?

CNG, LPG and natural gas are all different. Natural gas is methane vs LPG which is propane, butane, isobutane or a mixture of the three. The only difference between piped natural gas and CNG – Compressed Natural Gas – is the mode of delivery. Mains gas (natural gas) is delivered through pipelines whilst CNG comes in natural gas bottles.

Comparing LPG vs natural gas bottles, natural gas bottles for CNG are heavier than LPG gas bottles because the gas is at a much higher pressure.

The calorific value of natural gas and CNG are 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 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 LPG vs natural gas 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 in many instances.

LPG has a higher energy content and the relative positions of LPG vs 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 price of $539 per year, in one cooking only example.

LPG gas is not more expensive than natural gas, LPG is often less expensive when comparing total cost. Many customers now find that it is cheaper to go with LPG vs 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.

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 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, with a number of natural gas 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, as the 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.