Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority pushes for gas usage
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) on Friday engaged entrepreneurs in Blantyre as part of its advocacy for investment in supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The regulator is moving to enhance use of the product as a complementary energy source in the country.
The push comes as most households in Malawi, like most parts of Africa, use charcoal and firewood as energy sources, which has led to deforestation.
Figures presented to the forum show that only 0.2 percent of the population are using LPG, translating to a consumption rate of 2.5 tons per annum.
Speaking at the interface, Mera Chief Executive Officer Henry Kachaje said the energy regulatory body was engaging the government to consider removing Value Added Tax on LPG to push the price down.
“We are sensitising people to how to use gas. LPG is affordable for all Malawians and a cheaper source of energy compared to charcoal and electricity,” Kachaje said.
One of the country’s key gas suppliers is Afrox Malawi.
Afrox Malawi Sales Representative Luke Phiri said the firm had seen a surge in uptake of the commodity in the past few months.
He said there was vast potential on the market with the possibility of seeing further increase in the number of gas users in the country.
“This is a revolution and, soon, a lot of Malawians will start using LPG. We are also ready, as importers and suppliers, to meet the demand as it grows,” Phiri said.
One of the entrepreneurs who attended the session Jones Kanene said he was impressed with Mera’s move, saying market prospects look brighter.
