The potential of LP gas for household energy in South Africa

Abstract

The provision of household energy to households at the lower end of the economic spectrum presents grave difficulties. The primary problems arise in cooking and space heating. The role of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is explored. While its use presents hazards, there is clear evidence that the health, environmental and safety risks are at least an order of magnitude less than those presented by the other two fuels. It is suggested that a reduction in the fiscal burden and a reformulation to move from the present propane/butane mix to pure butane could go a long way to reducing the cost of the fuel at the street level, while a clear directive from government that increasing LPG use was desirable could stimulate the adoption of mass production technologies that would reduce the cost of appliances.