Several years ago, keeping gas for domestic use in homes was regarded a risky enterprise given its highly flammable nature, but the frequent power cuts by Zesa Holdings have in recent years made gas a basic necessity.
The increase in demand for gas has, subsequently, made selling the commodity a highly profitable venture with very quick returns as households have resorted to it for day-to-day use. The huge demand for gas has been spurred by erratic power supplies currently being experienced countrywide.
A snap survey by NewsDay in and around Harare, indicated new gas selling points were sprouting at various open spaces dotted around the city and it has become a cash cow for many local entrepreneurs.
Unlike in previous years when gas used to be sold only at filling stations, even households both in the low and high-density suburbs are now selling the commodity.
Takudzwa Mugaiwa, who operates near Copacabana commuter omnibus rank in Harare, said the business had created jobs and income streams for most people.
His worry, however, is that the venture is getting flooded as more people turn to that line of business to eke out a living since increase in demand is a respite.
“Business is a bit slow at the moment. We used to sell more than one cylinder (48kg) per day.
“Business is, however, promising as a result of increasing power cuts,” Mugaiwa said. “The market for gas is available as long as electricity remains a challenge in Zimbabwe.”
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Another gas vendor, Victor Madzipa, said business is not as high in the central business district (CBD) as compared to areas such as Borrowdale and Marlborough where domestic use of gas is on the increase.
“In town (CBD) business is slow such that per day we sell between 10kg and 20kg,” Madzipa said. “However, in areas where the demand is high, one is able to sell up 100kg above $3,50 per kg.”
He said the challenge was that in the up market areas rentals were too high and they would have to dig deeper into their revenue, if they operated from the affluent suburbs. Madzipa said he had to borrow $110 to start the business.
In the meantime, he is planning to relocate his business to the high-density suburbs where demand is currently low.
But he believes demand will increase as more and more people turn to gas for domestic use.
