With fuel costs putting the squeeze on small business owners and delivery fleets, DFSK South Africa has brought out a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) conversion kit that lets their petrol bakkies and vans run on the cheaper fuel.
The kit, which goes for around R33 350, can be fitted to any of DFSK’s three models – the K01S single cab, the C35 panel van and the C35 crew bus. It’s available for brand-new vehicles or can be retrofitted to existing ones and the company says it won't mess with your warranty.
Starting or running a small business and in need of a bakkie – click here
The system is a dual-fuel setup, meaning the engine can run on either petrol or gas. But here’s where it gets clever. Unlike some of the older LPG conversions that run purely on gas, DFSK’s system uses a dedicated electronic control unit (ECU) for the LPG. This unit keeps an eye on the engine speed. Once you hit certain revs, the system automatically brings in a bit of petrol alongside the gas.
This mix does a few things. It helps keep the engine valves and valve seats protected, brings down the heat inside the combustion chamber at higher speeds and generally makes the engine last longer. Less thermal stress means fewer worries for business users who are putting serious mileage on their vehicles every day.
"LPG technology can save motorists and fleet owners a decent chunk of cash, but it's the engineering behind the system that decides if it's dependable," says Gina Giani, CEO of WilGin Holdings, which brings DFSK into SA.
"Our idea has always been to mix the cost savings of LPG with proper engine protection. By adding a bit of petrol at higher revs, we help manage the heat and keep the engine happy for longer, without losing the fuel-saving benefits."
Looking for a safe car for a student then click here
The big question for many is: can you find the gas? LPG – that’s a mix of propane and butane, same stuff used for your kitchen stove and backyard braai burners – is available in South Africa, but it’s not as widespread as your local petrol station just yet.
The good news is that LPG is becoming more accessible. The Western Cape has a few independent suppliers like KND Gas and LabohGas operating in Cape Town, offering cylinder deliveries to homes and businesses. Nationally, the price is regulated monthly by the government just like petrol, although in January 2026 the maximum retail price for LPG increased slightly while petrol went down.
For business owners running a fleet in major centres like Joburg, Durban, or Cape Town, finding a refill station is becoming less of a schlep. The biggest savings come from buying in volume, and many of the suppliers focus specifically on commercial and industrial clients.
Between the savings on fuel and the clever engineering aimed at protecting the engine, DFSK’s LPG option looks like a workable alternative for small businesses and high-mileage drivers. The vehicles also burn cleaner than standard petrol, which leaves fewer deposits in the engine and is a bit better for the environment.
With ongoing investment in tech like this, DFSK SA is showing that alternative fuels don't have to be a compromise between saving cash and keeping your wheels on the road.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
