Zambia Records Increased LPG Consumption
Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has observed an increase in consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from 2, 800 metric tonnes per year in 2013 to 9, 490 metric tonnes by the end of 2023.
Speaking during the official opening of the LPG stakeholder engagement meeting in Lusaka, co-hosted by Zambia Metrology Agency, ERB Director of Technical Regulation, Allen Polito also revealed that due to loadshedding, demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas has drastically increased such that 11, 508 metric tonnes have already been used as at the end of October, 2024.
Mr. Polito said the board remains committed to increasing access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas in a safe and affordable manner.
“I am pleased to announce that through the implementation of revised regulatory framework coupled with enhanced public awareness about the benefits of using the LPG for cooking and heating, and demystifying of safety concerns.”
“Positive movements have been recorded which has seen an increase in a number of licensed LPG distributors from three in 2014 to fifteen in as at the end of October, 2024,” Mr. Polito noted.
And Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) Executive Director, Humphrey Nkobeni said metrology plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate, reliable, and consistent measuring instruments are used for measuring LPG.
Mr. Nkobeni stated that weighing scales, volume flow meters and pressure gauges are calibrated to ensure correct storage and transport conditions of the gas.
“As the demand fo rLPG grows, so does the need to regulate the subsector; to ensure that its potential is fully realized without compromising safety, fair trade, consumer protection or sustainability,” Mr. Nkobeni stated.
He however observed that while the growth of the LPG market in Zambia is a positive development, it has also presented challenges, such as non-compliance.
Mr. Nkobeni said these challenges must be addressed through various interventions that include effective regulation.
“Some suppliers do not adhere to established standards and technical regulations. example: the use of uncalibrated or unverified measuring instruments for trade contrary to the metrology act no. 6 of 2017 and its regulations,” he noted.
He added that other challenges include, suspected underfilling of cylinders, lack of awareness, as most consumers and other stakeholders do not know their rights or safety practices, illegal refilling, stating that unregulated cylinder refilling can lead to safety hazards.
Meanwhile, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Executive Director Gerald Chizinga expressed concerns over the myths about the safety of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Mr. Chizinga thanked ERB and ZMA for coming up with a stakeholder engagement meeting on LPG to ensure that people are equipped with the knowledge on the safety of the gas.
