Annual usage of Local Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the country grew by 50 percent to 21 million litres between 2010 and 2020 and suppliers are eyeing even further expansion to rural areas.
Speaking at the Regional Energy Regulatory Authorities of Southern Africa conference last week, Easigas country manager, Gaone Abotseng, said the industry was hoping to partner with government in order to expand usage to rural areas where the gas can replace firewood and other forms of energy.
He said LPG is a clean form of energy with up to 20 percent less carbon and nitrogen emissions compared to wood fire. Abotseng said the gas also does not produce soot or particulate matter, making it an ideal replacement for firewood, especially at a time when the country is wrestling against deforestation.
The Easigas country manager noted that climate change is bringing prolonged heatwaves to Botswana, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s. This, he said, necessitated a transition to cleaner energy forms such as LPG. The local industry comprises wholesalers such as Easigas, who have supply contracts with the various retailers. Botswana sources most of its LPG from South Africa.
