Malawi sees significant increase in Liquid Petroleum Gas usage

Lilongwe, Malawi-Despite the economic challenges faced by the middle and low-income working class, Malawi has seen a significant increase in the use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), according to recent reports, writes Draxon Maloya.

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) revealed that there has been a 50 percent increase in market consumption of LPG in the country.

MERA's Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager, Fitina Khonje, stated that the increase is remarkable, given that the annual gas consumption stood at 2,194 metric tonnes just 24 months ago, and there were only seven importers and 63 retail outlets in the country.

The rise in usage is largely attributed to the introduction of low-priced gas cookers and 3 kg LPG cylinders by 265 Energy Limited.

The company's partnership with Standard Bank has enabled the provision of affordable, clean, renewable energy, a key factor in the fight against environmental degradation.

The Managing Director for 256 Energy Limited, Mfundo Mbvundula, said the low-priced gas cookers would help many people access alternative energy while saving the environment.

"We are confident that the low-priced gas cookers are able to help a lot of people have access to such energy alternatives while also saving the environment," he said.

Experts say that the increase in LPG usage is a positive step towards the use of efficient and sustainable alternative energy sources that do not exert pressure on natural resources.

With only slightly above 3 percent of Malawi's population using gas and 70 percent of that for domestic use, the potential for further growth is high.

The success of the LPG initiative is an indication that the government and stakeholders are making progress in mitigating the effects of environmental degradation while offering affordable alternative energy to Malawians.