LPG Consumption In Zim Rises To 50 Million Kilogrammes
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says the annual consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the country has risen from 1 million kilogrammes to 50 million kilogrammes in 5 years.
Power cuts and rising tariffs have forced domestic power consumers to turn to LPG gas as a substitute source of heating energy.
Speaking during a retailers’ conference on Tuesday, ZERA consumer services manager, Norbert Mataruse, said:
LP gas consumption has improved significantly in the last five years reaching 50 million kg, which pushed us to start regulating the sector.
Statutory Instrument 90 of 2021 empowered ZERA to regulate the liquified petroleum gas industry.
Mataruse said various power projects were at different stages of implementation aimed at improving the power supply in the country. He said:
We have licensed more than 90 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the retail sector, like many other companies are doing, should take lead in setting up solar mini-grids for its own use.
Zimbabwe is currently augmenting local power generation through imports and frequent load shedding.
ZERA said LPG gas is retailing at $337.96/kg or US$2.32 per kg. However, backyard gas dealers are selling the products below the official price.
