When it comes to cooking or heating, choosing the right fuel is crucial. Butane gas is a popular choice for its portability and efficiency. However, how long a 220g canister of butane gas will last?

Additionally, concerns about the safety of butane gas stoves and the cost-effectiveness of butane versus LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) are common. This article aims to address these questions comprehensively.

Butane is a liquefied gas with the chemical formula C4H10. It is heavier than air and has a distinct odor. LPG, on the other hand, is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases, primarily composed of propane and butane. The composition of LPG can vary depending on factors such as intended use and climate. Generally, LPG contains about 70% propane and 30% butane.

• Butane: Primarily used in portable stoves, lighters, and small heaters. It performs poorly in cold temperatures (struggles to vaporize below 0°C) but burns cleanly.
• LPG: Contains propane (better for cold climates, vaporizes at -42°C) and butane. Common in home heating, cooking, and automotive fuel.

The cost of butane and LPG can fluctuate due to several factors. Regional pricing differences are significant. In some areas, butane may be cheaper than LPG, while in others, the opposite may be true. Supply and demand also play a role. During peak seasons, such as winter when heating demands increase, the prices of both fuels may rise. However, LPG, being a more versatile and widely used fuel, often has a more stable supply chain, which can help mitigate price fluctuations.

Price per Unit

• Butane: Portable 220g canisters cost 3–5.
• LPG: Bulk prices average $10–15/kg, but regional tariffs and supply chains heavily influence costs. For example, U.S.-China trade tensions in 2025 caused LPG price volatility, with U.S. exports to Asia dropping by 200,000 barrels per day.

Energy Density

Butane and LPG have similar energy content, but propane (a key LPG component) offers marginally higher efficiency:

• Butane: 11800 kJ/kg
• Propane (LPG): 12000 kJ/kg.

Cost per kWh:

• Butane: ~0.20/kWh(basedon0.20/kWh(basedon15/kg)
• LPG: ~0.18/kWh(basedon0.18/kWh(basedon12/kg)

While LPG is slightly cheaper per kWh, butane’s portability and smaller canister sizes make it cost-effective for occasional use.

Additionally, taxes and regulations can impact the final price. Different regions may have varying tax policies on fuel products, which can affect the affordability of butane and LPG. Transportation costs also contribute to the overall price. Areas far from production or import hubs may incur higher transportation costs, making the fuel more expensive.

Butane vs LPG Efficiency and Practicality

Burn Time and Consumption

A 220g butane canister lasts 1.5–2 hours at high heat (120g/hour), while a 5kg LPG tank provides ~40 hours of runtime. However, LPG’s superior cold-weather performance reduces wasted fuel in winter.

Application-Specific Costs

1. Home Heating:
   • LPG is cheaper for whole-house systems, costing 1/3 the price of electric heating.
   • Butane is impractical due to low storage capacity and cold-weather limitations.
2. Cooking:
   • Butane stoves are ideal for camping but cost 2x more per meal than LPG for household use.
3. Automotive Fuel:
   • LPG (autogas) is 30–50% cheaper than gasoline, but recent price surges in Turkey (72% increase in 2021) narrowed this gap.

Usage Scenarios and Cost-effectiveness

The cost-effectiveness of butane and LPG also depends on the specific usage scenario. For portable applications like camping stoves or small indoor heaters, butane is often more convenient and cheaper in the short term. Its lower vapor pressure makes it suitable for use in smaller containers, and it’s easier to store and transport. However, for larger-scale applications such as home heating or cooking for extended periods, LPG may be more economical. LPG’s higher energy density means it can provide more heat over time, reducing the frequency of refills and potentially lowering overall costs.

Long-term Cost Considerations

While the initial cost of butane may seem lower, it’s important to evaluate long-term expenses. LPG’s efficiency can result in significant savings over time. Propane, a major component of LPG, has superior energy output, meaning you may require less of it to achieve the same results as butane. This efficiency not only benefits your budget but also underscores LPG’s value in delivering consistent and reliable performance across a range of applications. Additionally, LPG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to butane, producing fewer emissions. This can have long-term benefits for both the environment and potentially reduce maintenance costs for appliances.

Safety and Environmental Impact

Safety

• Butane: Safe when used outdoors but risks leaks if canisters are damaged. Its narrow explosion range (1.8–8.4%) requires careful handling.
• LPG: Propane’s lower flammability limit (2.1%) and robust tank safety standards make it safer for residential natural gas processing use.

Emissions

• Butane and LPG produce fewer particulates than coal or oil. However, LPG releases slightly more CO₂ per kWh than butane.
• LNG (liquefied natural gas) is 33% cheaper and cleaner than LPG but requires specialized infrastructure.

Here is an article on The Ultimate Guide to Butane Gas and Stove Usage: Safety, Tips, and Product Recommendations.

Regional Availability and Its Impact on Cost

The availability of butane and LPG in different regions can greatly influence their prices. In many parts of the world, LPG is more widely available than pure butane due to its versatility and adaptability. This widespread availability can make LPG a more reliable and cost-effective resource for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. In contrast, butane may be more readily available in specific regions or through certain retailers. Limited availability can sometimes lead to higher prices or difficulties in accessing the fuel when needed

• Asia-Pacific: Saudi Aramco’s LPG prices stabilized at $615/mt (propane) in 2025, favoring long-term contracts.
• Europe: Middle Eastern LPG imports surged due to U.S.-China trade disputes, lowering spot prices by 7%.
• Turkey: LPG price hikes (72% in 2021) reduced its economic edge over gasoline, highlighting volatility risks.

For short-term, portable use, butane is affordable and convenient. However, LPG is more cost-effective for home heating, cooking, and cold climates due to its energy density, bulk pricing, and reliability.

Donyan Butane Fuel Gas AW-802

Butane fuel gas portable cassette gas cylinder is suitable for mobile cassette stove, fire gun and other equipment.

Suitable for camping outdoor cooking.

• Real Material
• Heat Quality
• Energy Conservation

Key Recommendations:

• Use butane for camping or backup heating.
• Opt for LPG if you need consistent, high-volume fuel.
• Monitor regional tariffs, as trade policies heavily influence LPG costs

The question of whether butane or LPG is cheaper doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on various factors including regional pricing, energy content, equipment costs, usage scenarios, and long-term considerations.

For short-term, portable, and small-scale applications, butane may offer a more affordable option. However, for larger-scale, long-term use, LPG’s energy efficiency and broader applicability can make it the more cost-effective choice. By carefully evaluating these factors and your specific requirements, you can determine which fuel best suits your needs and budget.

Whether you prioritize upfront costs, long-term savings, energy efficiency, or environmental impact, understanding the cost dynamics of butane and LPG will empower you to make the best decision for your fuel needs.