Almot Maqolo, Staff Writer 
ZIMBABWE’S Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption saw a significant increase in the first half of 2024, rising 12 percent to 33,58 million kilograms (kg) compared to the same period last year.
This surge, driven by increased power cuts, highlights the country’s ongoing energy challenges.
In June alone, LPG consumption jumped by a staggering 55 percent to 6,93 million kg. While this may seem positive, it underscores the growing reliance on alternative energy sources due to the persistent power crisis and high energy costs.
“Over the years, the increase in LPG usage was driven by domestic demand at 74 percent and the acceptance of LPG by households as a safe alternative source of energy for heating and cooking,” the article states.
Amidst this increased demand, safety concerns have arisen. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has issued a strong warning against illegal door-to-door or mobile refilling of LPG.
Zera emphasised, “LPG standards and laws mandate that retail LPG filling take place at approved, inspected, and licensed locations. LPG cylinder refilling should only be done by fillers with Zera-approved training.”
The regulator further clarified, “There is no operator who is licensed to conduct filling of LPG at people’s homes and anyone doing so should be reported to Zera or the police for endangering public safety and operating without a license.”
This warning highlights the risks associated with unregulated LPG handling, which has led to accidents causing injury, death, and property damage.
The overall trend of increased LPG consumption, which saw a 10,36 percent rise in 2023, reflects the ongoing power crisis in Zimbabwe. Experts caution that relying heavily on LPG imports, which require significant foreign currency, is not a sustainable solution.
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