The Western Cape in South Africa has been experiencing a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to supply chain disruptions.
- The shortage has resulted in long queues and increased prices for LPG consumers in the region.
- The Western Cape government has secured an interim supply agreement with global commodities trading company Trafigura to address the shortage.
- Trafigura will supply LPG to the Western Cape via the Saldanha Bay terminal until the end of September 2023.
- The interim deal will provide some relief for LPG consumers in the Western Cape and help prevent price spikes.
- The Western Cape government is also taking steps to address the long-term supply chain issues by investing in new LPG infrastructure and exploring alternative sources of supply.
- The LPG shortage has had a particularly severe impact on low-income households that rely on LPG for cooking and heating.
- The interim deal with Trafigura is part of the Western Cape government’s efforts to ensure that all households have access to affordable and reliable energy.