In the lively commercial hub of Musave in Bumbogo, the soft hiss of a gas stove has taken the place of the former constant crackling of fire...
In the lively commercial hub of Musave in Bumbogo, the soft hiss of a gas stove has taken the place of the former constant crackling of firewood and charcoal during market days.
At this location, Alodie Murekatete is getting lunch ready for people visiting the market and moto-taxi drivers who come to her food stand for a hot meal.
Murekatete remembers the time when she used firewood and charcoal, facing smoke and spending extended periods to cook meals for her customers and her family.
I used to believe that gas was costly," she states, her tone calm. "However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and firewood became difficult to obtain for cooking beans, I initially alternated between gas and charcoal. Eventually, I completely abandoned charcoal. I have never felt any remorse about this decision.
Her move in 2020 reflects a larger national trend, as more urban households in Rwanda are turning to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for everyday cooking. This change is motivated by health, environmental, and development objectives. As per the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), approximately 80 percent of Rwandans continue to use firewood for cooking, but the nation aims to significantly lower this figure to 42 percent in the near future.
This initiative is a key component of a broader clean cooking approach that encourages the use of modern technologies like LPG, enhanced stoves, biogas, and electrical power. The energy provider, REG, serves as a facilitating organization, managing public education efforts, offering financial incentives, enforcing safety standards, and aiding in the development of infrastructure to ensure a viable LPG market.
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We facilitate the transition to clean cooking," says Eugene Karangwa, Head of Alternative Energies and Geothermal at REG. "Our goal by 2030 is to ensure everyone has access to safe cooking energy, but LPG isn't the final destination, it's a stepping stone.
REG's actions are based on national plans, such as the Biomass Energy Strategy (2019-2030) and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024-2029).
Its Results-Based Financing (RBF) initiative, managed by the EDCL in collaboration with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), provides subsidies for LPG stoves to families in lower income brackets. The CC-RBF program seeks to benefit 500,000 households and have a positive effect on more than two million individuals.
"REG's efforts are crucial in transforming national clean-cooking goals into real advancements in LPG usage, setting the stage for universal access to modern, safe, and sustainable cooking energy by 2030," Karangwa stated. "Current national strategies emphasize modern, clean cooking options, especially liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and enhanced stoves, to enhance health, decrease deforestation, and achieve climate objectives," he further noted.
Why the change is becoming popular
Many people find the attraction of LPG goes beyond just being handy. Charcoal and firewood cause pollution, harm the environment, and need ongoing gathering or buying.
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) states that more than 80 percent of the population continues to depend on wood or charcoal, which plays a major role in indoor air pollution and deforestation. The government aims to lower this figure to 42 percent, which is a key part of its initiative for cleaner cooking methods.
The use of LPG also brings about health and economic advantages. Should Rwanda achieve its LPG adoption goals, it may preserve hundreds of millions of trees by 2030, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and avoid thousands of early deaths caused by indoor air pollution.
Clean cooking initiatives are also creating fresh economic prospects, with significant RBF programs expected to produce billions in carbon credits by 2026.
The business perspective
For companies, the move towards LPG brings about both difficulties and possibilities.
As stated by Paul-Claudel Kwizera, a representative from GLAS Ltd, more Rwandans are increasingly asking for integrated kitchens and LPG-compatible setups in newly built houses.
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Previously, many Rwandans did not incorporate an internal kitchen while building their homes," Kwizera explains. "Individuals relied on electricity or firewood. Today, they are moving towards gas as it is cleaner, doesn't produce ash, and is more cost-effective than electricity over time.
Government financial support and incentives promote this change by reducing the expense of importing LPG and keeping prices steady for consumers.
At Jibu Gas One, Sales Manager Eugene Muhoza states that the company has grown to address increasing demand. National goals aimed at decreasing deforestation and carbon emissions are contributing to the growing acceptance of LPG, particularly in city regions.
"People are shifting away from cutting trees for charcoal," Muhoza observes. "However, cost is still a significant issue for many. If the costs of wholesale or transportation increase, it might jeopardize further growth." Traders such as Jibu Gas are also establishing distribution systems, creating efficient cylinders, and providing consumer education to support continued development.
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Melissa Ishimwe from Noah Gas Ltd points out comparable obstacles. Her company specializes in last-mile delivery within Kigali, offering direct cylinder distribution to cut down on extra expenses for families. She emphasizes that road infrastructure and dependable supply networks are essential for increasing availability.
Expanding: Infrastructure, regulations, and aspirations
Pioneers such as Murekatete are spearheading transformation from the grassroots level, while institutional progress also plays a crucial role. REG's strategic plan highlights LPG as a pathway to a sustainable cooking future, seeking to decrease household dependence on biomass and speed up the use of clean energy.
Government funding for infrastructure is crucial. In Rusororo, Gasabo District, a Rwf38 billion storage complex is being built.
Boasting a capacity of 17.1 million liters, which is more than twice the nation's current needs, the project is set to be finished by 2025. Upon completion, it will aid in alleviating supply constraints and maintaining cost stability.
On the supply side, a new governmental program allocatesLPG systems provided to 50,000 homes through collaboration with Saudi Arabia and Bboxx.Every kit comes with a two-burner stove, a 12-kg gas cylinder, and a smart pay-as-you-go valve, helping reduce the cost for families with limited income. More than 7,000 kits have already been distributed in Kigali, Rwamagana, and Musanze.
As per forecasts, the usage of household LPG might achieve 38.5 percent by 2030, and with more ambitious policy goals, it could approach 47 percent. This transition corresponds with Rwanda's environmental and development pledges, as the United Nations Energy Compact seeks to provide modern, clean cooking fuels to at least 80 percent of rural communities and 50 percent of urban areas by 2030.
Practical effects: Altering family perspectives
For Murekatete, transitioning to gas was more than just a change in fuel; it altered her feeling of safety. During lockdowns, when obtaining firewood was dangerous or unattainable, her gas cylinder became essential.
"With gas, I can prepare meals quickly. I don't have to worry about gathering wood or purchasing charcoal," she states. The cleaner flame also minimizes smoke, alleviating worries about her children's well-being.
Her adoption did not happen quickly. At first, she was concerned about security, expenses, and the trustworthiness of vendors. As she became more acquainted with cylinders, safety initiatives by regulators, and nearby stores, her assurance grew. Gas is now not seen as a luxury but as a useful and forward-looking energy source.
Companies such as Biofarm Ltd have observed an increase in interest for gas-compatible kitchens, indicating a larger trend among consumers moving towards eco-friendly cooking methods. Paul Kwizera, CEO, highlights that gas not only provides a cleaner cooking experience but also offers better financial value in the long run.
Traders' Perspectives: Expansion, Uncertainty, and Obligation
Eugene Muhoza from Jibu Gas One highlights that although adoption is significant, education continues to be essential. Providing clear information about cylinder safety, refilling schedules, and optimal usage is just as crucial as the sale of the fuel.
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Potential dangers involve demand surpassing supply when infrastructure fails to expand quickly enough, possible poor quality cylinders, and unsafe refills that can damage public trust. International collaborations, like the LPG kit program with Saudi Arabia, assist in mitigating these risks and promote widespread, affordable implementation.
Melissa Ishimwe highlights that increasing global LPG prices and local transportation costs may hinder uptake. Customers demand consistency and quality, and companies need to preserve credibility while dealing with logistics issues.
Climate and health benefits
Substantial environmental benefits come from using LPG. Widespread adoption could preserve millions of trees and greatly lower Rwanda's carbon emissions. Projects such as the Green Amayaga Initiative have already cut emissions by more than 600,000 tons in four regions.
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Cleaner cooking methods also offer health advantages. Indoor air pollution caused by biomass fuels leads to respiratory illnesses and early deaths. Widespread use of LPG could save thousands of lives and enhance the well-being of millions of Rwandans.
Adoption by organizations and the prospects of sustainable cooking
Institutional acceptance plays a vital role in achieving lasting effects. Through the Green Amayaga Project, 20 schools have implemented large-scale LPG systems to prepare meals for hundreds of students every day. This method enhances health, lowers expenses, and serves as a model for families to emulate.
National plans, such as NST2 and the Biomass Energy Strategy, highlight LPG as a key technology in Rwanda's vision for clean energy. By 2030, the nation seeks nearly full access to modern cooking methods by using a mix of LPG, electricity, biogas, and innovative biofuels.
REG manages private sector, donor, and government resources, making sure that the expansion of LPG is combined with environmental investment. Profits from adopting LPG are directed towards reforestation, advancements in clean energy, and carbon financing, aiding Rwanda's sustained efforts toward climate neutrality.
Voices from the ground
For Murekatete and thousands of people in Kigali, transitioning to gas brings noticeable benefits to daily life: quicker meal preparation, more hygienic living spaces, and reduced concerns. Gas has emerged as a sign of advancement—more secure, cleaner, and becoming more available.
Leaders in the gas industry share this view. LPG is more than just a product; it serves as a foundation for innovation, supporting safer cooking stoves, user-friendly cylinders, and effective distribution systems. Businesses aim to maintain affordability while increasing availability to households in urban and semi-urban areas.
Shifting towards a sustainable tomorrow
Rwanda's shift towards clean cooking goes beyond just adopting new technology. It is reshaping homes, guiding policy development, and affecting how businesses operate.
Although obstacles such as supply limitations, fluctuating costs, and inadequate infrastructure remain, the benefits are significant: improved living environments, rejuvenated woodlands, and a more robust local energy system.
For individuals such as Murekatete, gas is no longer considered a luxury; it has become the basis for a cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly future. Through collaborative efforts from organizations like REG, private enterprises, and global partners, LPG cylinders are progressively establishing themselves as a key element in Rwanda's contemporary energy scene.
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