The construction of a Rwf60 billion liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage depot in Rusororo, Gasabo district is by all means an infrastructure milestone. Most importantly however, it is a crucial step towards social and environmental transformation. As Rwanda works to reduce its dependence on charcoal and firewood, this facility could mark a turning point in making clean cooking accessible, affordable, and reliable for all households. At its core, the depot is poised to enhance national energy security by ensuring a steady supply of LPG, a cleaner alternative to biomass fuels that still dominate Rwandan kitchens. Deforestation and indoor air pollution remain pressing issues, with women and children disproportionately affected by the impacts. ALSO READ: Rwf60bn cooking gas depot set to boost Rwanda’s energy security By enabling larger storage and more stable distribution of gas, this project can help lower prices, making LPG a realistic option for more families. In 2023, the Ministry of Infrastructure stated that efforts to regulate cooking gas prices had been constrained by limited storage and supply capacity, a situation that would force price reviews roughly every two weeks due to frequent imports and related cost fluctuations from neighbouring countries. Besides saving time and energy spent in putting foot on the table, this milestone will significantly reduce forest degradation and lower carbon emissions, which align with Rwanda’s broader climate resilience goals. ALSO READ: 50,000 households to get LPG gas kits under Rwanda-Saudi initiative The upcoming depot is therefore an investment in the wellbeing of Rwandans. When energy systems are inclusive and sustainable, they empower households and allow communities to thrive. Ensuring that the benefits of this facility reach low-income families will be key. Clean energy should not be a privilege, but a right, that transforms how Rwandans cook, live, and care.
