Consumers in Zimbabwe are shifting to alternative energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and solar due to high costs and the erratic power supply.
Five years ago, the country used only 4-million kilograms of LPG per year, but this has jumped to more than 42-million kilograms in 2019, according to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera).
Gas was mostly used by big companies and hotels.
"We know this is a new energy source and are trying to get more people on board, especially with the electricity problems in the country," said Hugh Mlauzi, an engineer in alternative energy at Zera.
The authority said LPG is the best alternative for energy users as it is cheaper, sustainable and safer.
Cost for gas varies between $1.50 and $3 per kilogram, while electricity costs close to $0.10 per kilowatt-hour.
The country's economic meltdown in 2000 is widely seen as the time that a switch to alternative energy sources began. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority then also urged the adoption of energy-saving light bulbs.
Zimbabwe has a daily electricity demand of 2,200MW. It supplements its power shortfall with imports from SA and Mozambique.
The energy regulator has urged consumers to brace for more power cuts as water levels at Lake Kariba, which powers the Kariba hydropower station, are expected to drop.
The Matabeleland North province has only two LPG dealers in the resort town of Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls-based dealer Evans Ncube said demand for gas has risen significantly. In the past people would only use gas when there were electricity cuts, he said.
The country imports gas mostly from SA and Botswana...