Catalyzes the synthesis of (2S,3S)-2-methylcitrate from propionyl-CoA and oxaloacetate and also from acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate with a greater efficiency. Also has citrate synthase activity and can substitute for the loss of citA activity. H2O + oxaloacetate + propanoyl-CoA = (2S,3S)-2-methylcitrate + CoA + H(+) acetyl-CoA + H2O + oxaloacetate = citrate + CoA + H(+) Partially inhibited by ATP. Optimum pH is 8.5-9.5. Optimum temperature is 45-52 degrees Celsius. Organic acid metabolism; propanoate degradation. Homodimer. Expression is highly induced by propionate. Also induced by ethanol. Transcription is subject to CreA-mediated carbon repression. Blocks propionyl-CoA utilization, as well as growth on propionate. Impairs production of several polyketides such as sterigmatocystin. Belongs to the citrate synthase family.