The Ministry of Energy says it is taking steps to address the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Malawi, following concerns from Parliament over the impact of the scarcity on the country’s clean-cooking agenda.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Elvis Todd, said government considers the shortage a major concern because LPG plays an important role in promoting clean cooking and reducing dependence on traditional fuels.
Todd said the ministry is engaging relevant stakeholders to identify challenges affecting LPG availability and develop sustainable solutions to ensure reliable supplies for consumers.
The development follows a meeting between the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, the Ministry of Energy and the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to examine the causes of the shortage and measures being taken to address it.
Committee chairperson Tiyaone Hendry said there was still much work to be done to ensure LPG is readily available, noting that MERA mainly performs a regulatory role and is not directly responsible for importing the fuel.
“We feel like we still have a long way to go.
Talking of LPG, this is an alternative that we have for cooking, clean cooking,” Hendry said.
Hendry said the committee has recommended that within 10 days it should meet LPG importers, the Ministry of Energy and other stakeholders to agree on practical measures to improve supply.
He said stronger government involvement in LPG importation may be necessary if Malawi is serious about reducing reliance on charcoal and promoting clean energy, adding that the committee wants better coordination to ensure Malawians have access to reliable and affordable alternative cooking fuels.
