South Africans may no longer be facing routine load shedding, but high electricity tariffs continue to pressure households into exploring alternative energy sources. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has become one of the most accessible substitutes.
Electricity prices have climbed sharply over the past 15 years. According to data from the South African Reserve Bank, tariffs rose by 333% between 2007 and 2017, and by 450% by 2022. These escalations have pushed households to reconsider how they meet daily energy needs.
Qonde argues that the current momentum strengthens the case for deeper market development. “The increase in residential penetration emboldens us to build on this trajectory and expand opportunities within the LPG economy,” he said. LPG growth, he added, can support entrepreneurship, reduce carbon-heavy household fuels, and create pathways for alternative energy access.
Despite progress in electrification since 1994, many rural and low-income households still lack dependable access to electricity. These communities often rely on firewood and paraffin—fuels that carry both health and environmental risks.
Qonde has urged the government to consider LPG subsidies under the Free Basic Energy programme, arguing that targeted support would help vulnerable households meet basic cooking and heating needs without bearing the full impact of electricity price hikes.
Uptake is highest in the Western Cape (46%) and Gauteng (36.3%), indicating strong acceptance in urban and peri-urban areas.
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Household ownership of gas stoves and hotplates increased from 19% in 2022 to 30.1% in 2023, pointing to a structural shift in energy behaviour, not just temporary substitution.
South Africa already has the import infrastructure needed to support higher LPG consumption. The sector is working to expand capacity further. One example is the recent acquisition of bp Southern Africa’s East London liquid fuel import terminal by Wassa Terminals, which Qonde says will enable the development of an LPG facility and the upgrading of existing assets.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
