Demand for liquefied petroleum gas surges

pushing up demand for LP gas, commonly referred to as “gas”.
“Currently the volumes for gas are picking up again on the back of improved capacity utilisation by industry and an increase in domestic use,” she said.
“There is great potential for the volumes of gas to pick up further as industry capacity utilisation and more households turn to gas.”
A decline in the availability and high pricing of alternative energy sources such as firewood was also promoting gas usage.
Zimbabwe is struggling to address a perennial power shortage which has forced power utility Zesa Holdings to introduce permanent load shedding as demand at over 2 000                megawatts is almost double current production.
There has also been a proliferation of roadside gas filling operations in Harare, a development which support the argument that there is an increase in gas demand in the capital.
Eng Magorimbo said in spite of the increase, use of gas at the moment remained low when compared with other alternative energies such as electricity, firewood and coal.
A study by the Government on the cost of energy for cooking purposes at household level revealed that gas was the cheapest form of energy.
The study revealed that firewood was the most expensive, costing US$180 a month, while gel at 20kg a month cost US$39,50 and paraffin at 30 litres a month cost US$34,50.
Electricity was set at US$23 while gas had the lowest price at US$18 per month.
“This is unlike the misconception held                   by many consumers who think gas is an expensive form of energy,” Eng Magorimbo said.
In the wake of continued power shortages, Eng Magorimbo said, it was important that gas usage for heating and cooking purposes be encouraged at household level to reduce electricity demand especially during peak hours.
She said Zera was currently working on strategies to promote safe use of gas in households.
“Gas is safe for use if it is handled and used properly,” she said, adding it was critical that users know safety precautions on safe usage of gas.
Zera, which is responsible for licensing gas importers, has so far issued 13 licences. — New Ziana.