LPG Demand Growth in Central Africa: Drivers, Infrastructure and Opportunities

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the fastest-growing refined product segment in Central Africa, and the CEMAC region is at the forefront of this trend. Driven by government clean-cooking policies, rapid urbanisation and a growing middle class, LPG demand in the six CEMAC nations is projected to grow at 8-12 % annually through 2030. The primary driver is the shift from biomass (firewood and charcoal) to LPG for household cooking. Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have each launched national programmes to subsidise LPG cylinders and promote adoption, motivated by health concerns (indoor air pollution from biomass causes an estimated 20,000+ premature deaths per year in Cameroon alone), deforestation reduction and climate commitments. However, infrastructure gaps remain significant: - Import terminals: Cameroon currently has limited dedicated LPG import capacity. Most LPG arrives in pressurised vessels and is discharged at multi-purpose terminals in Douala. A dedicated LPG terminal at Kribi has been discussed but is not yet operational. - Storage and bottling: The bottling and distribution network is concentrated in Douala and Yaoundé, with limited coverage in secondary cities and rural areas. Investment in regional bottling plants and cylinder inventory is a key enabler of market growth. - Last-mile distribution: Unlike liquid fuels, LPG requires a cylinder-based distribution model with exchange points, delivery networks and safety infrastructure. Building this network outside major urban centres is capital-intensive but essential for sustained adoption. - Safety and regulation: As LPG penetration grows, so do safety concerns. The Cameroonian government has introduced new regulations on cylinder standards, filling plant licensing and transportation safety, but enforcement remains uneven. For international traders and investors, the CEMAC LPG market presents a compelling opportunity: a structurally growing demand base, supportive government policy, limited existing infrastructure (creating first-mover advantages) and the potential for premium margins relative to mature liquid fuel markets. LDMK Trading is actively expanding its LPG supply capability to serve the growing demand across Cameroon and the broader CEMAC region, leveraging its existing import logistics, depot relationships and end-user network.