Residential Market for LPG : A Review of Experience of 20 Developing Countries

Abstract

Of all the modern fuels available today, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is particularly well suited to domestic cooking and heating uses because of its clean-burning attributes and practical advantages over traditional biomass fuels as well as kerosene. LPG is more convenient in use and acquisition (e.g., no lengthy gathering or onerous bulk purchasing operations as with biomass), safer and cleaner. It has a high calorific value by volume and mass and uses high-efficiency end-use cooking apparatus. Households recognize these advantages and are usually prepared to pay a premium for LPG over other fuels if their incomes are high enough and LPG is available. Switching from traditional biomass fuels and coal to LPG can bring considerable health and environmental; benefits at the local, regional and global levels. Indoor air pollution, which affects mainly women and children, is greatly reduced. Switching to LPG can also reduce deforestation and free up supplies of dung for use as fertilizer and soil improver, enhancing agricultural productivity. The savings in time consumed gathering or acquiring bulk supplies of biomass fuels may allow householders to dedicate this time to pursue more productive activities, thus alleviating poverty. The following provides brief descriptions of the nature and characterization of LPG as well as a typical, generic supply and distribution chain for the product.