The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has encouraged Malawians to develop a habit of using gas as source of energy as it is safer than other sources.

MERA’s Executive Director Dr. Collins Magalasi told YFM online that there is currently low usage of gas in the country.

Magalasi attributed cost, unavailability and awareness as major factors contributing to the trend.

“There is a misconceived idea that gas is dangerous, in fact gas is cheap and much safer than the firewood that we use.”

“Gas is just in very few place like in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu. You will not find anybody selling gas in Mulanje or Rumphi,” he said.

Magalasi said through its set guides and standards, the authority is now encouraging distribution of gas in the country.

According to him, MERA is in talks with countries where Malawi imports gas from to consider reducing the tax which is imposed on the commodity.

“We are working on a formula that will allow that gas be landed in the country much cheaper and this is to do with tax, levies and all that.”