Zimbabwe has seen a 17.14% increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage over the past three years, according to the country’s energy regulatory authority. This rise is attributed to successful awareness campaigns aimed at reducing concerns about LPG for cooking and heating, as well as ongoing power supply challenges.
Recent statistics from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) indicate that LPG consumption has grown to 77,437 million kg in 2023, up from 66,106 million kg. In 2022, the figure was 59,989 million kg.
ZERA’s CEO, Mr. Edington Mazambani, noted that while electricity shortages remain a key factor driving the increased use of LPG, there has been significant progress in educating the public on safe LPG usage. The country is currently grappling with severe electricity shortages due to recurrent droughts affecting output at the Kariba South Power Station, one of its largest facilities. Additionally, aging infrastructure at Hwange Power Station, the country’s largest power producer, has further limited capacity.
The rising demand for electricity, particularly from the expanding mining sector, has exacerbated the situation. To address these challenges, the government is pursuing several initiatives, including a collaborative project with Zambia to develop a 4,200 megawatt (MW) power station at the Batoka Gorge, with plans for equal sharing of the output. Several independent power producers have also been licensed to contribute excess power to the national grid.
Currently, Zimbabwe requires about 2,200 MW during peak demand, but the average capacity sits at around 1,400 MW. The shortfall is managed through imports and power rationing.
While ZERA acknowledges the impact of limited electricity supply, it also credits its educational initiatives for the increasing acceptance of LPG. “I attribute the increase to two main factors: the ongoing electricity challenges and our long-term advocacy for safe LPG usage,” Mr. Mazambani explained. He highlighted efforts to educate consumers about safe practices, which have helped alleviate fears surrounding LPG.
The growth in LPG consumption is also viewed as a way to combat environmental pollution and provide a more affordable energy alternative for Zimbabweans. In response to the rising demand, the government has removed value-added tax (VAT) on LPG through Statutory Instrument 195 of 2024. This led to a 13% reduction in LPG prices, effective January 1, 2025, lowering the price from US$1.86 to US$1.61 per kilogram. In local currency, the price decreased from ZiG 47.51 to ZiG 41.63 per kilogram.
In his 2025 National Budget Statement, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube emphasized the importance of LPG as a cleaner energy source, especially amid ongoing electricity shortages. The National Oil Company (NOIC) is also developing a bulk LPG storage facility similar to the existing Masasa fuel depot.
Despite the VAT exemption, some residents, like Mrs. Prudence Mapfumo from Harare, have reported that LPG prices have not significantly decreased, as they are still paying around US$1.80 per kg. She urged the government to address this issue, noting the increased reliance on gas for everyday activities like cooking and heating.
Economist Dr. Prosper Chitambara pointed out that power outages have forced many households and businesses to turn to backup generators.
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