LPG consumption up

LIQUEFIED Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption in Zimbabwe rose by 7,08 percent in the first eight months of 2024, reaching 47,42 million kilogrammes (kgs), up from 44,29 million kg during the same period in 2023, according to latest data from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
While this increase might seem like a positive trend, it highlights deeper issues, particularly the ongoing power crisis and high energy costs facing the country.
Despite the overall rise, ZERA’s data also shows a significant 33,82 percent decline in LPG consumption from August 2023 to August 2024, dropping from 9,55 million kgs to 6,31 million kgs. Factors contributing to this decline may include price hikes and improved power supply during that period.
In August 2023, LPG consumption peaked at 9,55 million kgs, marking the highest level in nine years. December 2023 followed with 7,77 million kgs. Industry experts have linked the increase in LPG usage to the worsening power shortages, which are putting additional strain on the productive sector.
The highest LPG consumption in 2024 occurred in July, reaching 7,52 million kgs. On average, monthly LPG consumption during the first eight months of 2024 was 5,92 million kgs, up from 5,53 million kgs during the same period last year.
Many households, particularly in urban areas, have reverted to using LPG for cooking and heating due to the return of frequent power cuts, which had previously subsided.
The growing reliance on LPG highlights the government and stakeholders’ efforts to mitigate environmental degradation while providing affordable alternative energy sources to Zimbabweans.
In 2023, LPG consumption increased by 10,36 percent, reaching 66,1 million kgs, compared to 59,89 million kgs in 2022. However, LPG importers still require at least US$3 million in foreign currency each month to meet the market’s needs.
Experts have stressed the importance of promoting local production of green fuel to reduce Zimbabwe’s import costs and dependence on foreign energy sources.
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