Expert say high prices; ignorance hinders Malawi’s shift to gas

Blantyre, July 12, Mana: Environmental activist, Matthews Malata says mindset change remains key if Malawi is to thrive in the switch to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) campaign.

Malata made the sentiment with the background of some business owners still resorting to using charcoal as opposed to gas.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Malata said there are different perceptions that people have towards gas but the benefits of using it outweigh the dangers.

“We need more awareness on gas so that people have the right information because most of the reasons being advanced are that gas is expensive and that it is dangerous so there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.

He said a recent survey by the Ministry of Energy has found that only 0.3% of Malawians use gas while only 1.7% using electricity.

“Looking at the practical issues on the ground, we need to ensure that cylinders are available, affordable and of good quality so that people can be motivated to buy. On the other hand, we are aware that the Ministry of Energy is in talks with Tanzania and Mozambique so that they can supply gas to Malawi. I believe this will address the pricing concerns being raised,” Malata said.

However, Mana engaged some of the women plying restaurant businesses in Blantyre to find out why they do not use gas, whereby some cited lack of awareness and some pricing as major setbacks.

Thokozani Sapangwa said she has never used gas before and would not consider doing so because she feels it is expensive and unprofitable for her business.

“I have heard that gas is expensive and for a business like mine, I doubt if I will be able to get a return on investment. For instance, when I cook nsima I leave it on the charcoal burner until lunch hour so that it stays warm, I do not think I can do the same with gas,” she said.

Emily Wilson, another restaurant business lady said she does not even know that gas exists since all her life she has cooked on firewood and charcoal burner but if given a chance, she would want to learn more about gas.

“I have never used gas before and I am not sure how it works but if the information is available it would be good to know what gas is all about, where we can access it and how we can use it, that would be helpful,” Wilson said.

Some gas users have, however, indicated that gas is efficient and reliable and those that are not using gas are missing out.

“I have been using gas for six years now and I must admit it is fast and reliable. I have a 6 kgs cylinder that sustains me for at least 3 months so it is quite fair,” one of the gas users Mervis Makwinja said.

The current price for Liquefied Petroleum Gas is K3, 245.00 which may not be affordable for the average Malawian.

Reacting to the concerns, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager, Fitina Khonje said the pricing is influenced by global factors and exchange rate and all other costs along the supply chain.

Khonje said the issue of sensitization is not MERA’s responsibility alone, acknowledging the work that the Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources, LPG importers and non-governmental organizations are doing to promote the use of alternative sources of energy.

“There are currently 114 outlets from less than 30 selling points that were there in 2021 with some more applications being assessed and if more entrepreneurs join the LPG sector it will help ease access,” Khonje pointed out.