Market News

Cooking gas consumption jumps 40pc on extended logging ban

gas

LPG is currently retailing at Sh2,300 for a 13 kilogramme cylinder while a six-kilogramme cylinder refill price averages Sh900. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Cooking gas imports rose by 39.2 per cent in the first three quarters of 2018 to stand at 70,574 tonnes following the ban on logging.

The embargo effected last February by Environment Secretary Keriako Tobiko has disrupted availability of sawdust, charcoal and wood fuel sourced from government forests within urban as well as rural areas forcing Kenyans to use LP cooking gas for domestic and commercial purposes.

A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Standards for the July-September Quarterly Balance of Payments(QBOP) indicates that the January-March 2018 period saw 50,710 tonnes sold locally at Sh3.1 billion as imports rose 23.2 per cent or 11,790 tonnes. Some 62,500 tonnes worth Sh3.6 billion were consumed in the second quarter.

LPG usage continued to grow in the third quarter, with Mr Tobiko extending the ban now set to lapse on November 24. Kenyans were forced to seek alternatives such as LPG, biogas, electricity and ethanol stoves as well as bio-diesel fuels.

The July-September 2018 quarter saw 70,774 tonnes imported into the country, 39.2 per cent or 19,863 tonne growth compared to the first quarter and 12.9 per cent or 8,074 tonne higher registered in the second quarter.

The increased usage of LPG has also contributed to the rise of new standalone LPG refillers from the traditional players who also deal in petroleum products and operate petrol stations.

At the same time, supply for ethanol fuels to Nairobi have diminished as demand rose forcing the prices to rise by 75 per cent from Sh80 to Sh140 per litre of fuel bottle.

It is expected to change as new players come in partnership with retail petrol distributors who plan to offer ethanol fuel for sale at petrol stations with other players currently putting up ethanol fuel ATMs at village-based retail stores.

LPG is currently retailing at Sh2,300 for a 13 kilogramme cylinder while a six-kilogramme cylinder refill price averages Sh900.

Kenya’s plans to subsidise LPG and support state-owned NOCK to venture into LPG gas business is yet to bear fruit after fraudulent contractors supplied 67,251 faulty gas cylinders intended to provide poor homes with cheaper cooking gas.