A STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS RETAIL INDUSTRY IN ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE

The study determined total cooking energy and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption in Ile-Ife, assessed selected technographic parameters of the LPG retail sector, and analysed safety and environmental considerations of the industry as critical intelligence towards the strategic characterization of the industry. An energy planning/technology foresight analysis framework was used entailing geospatial imagery, questionnaire administration and site visitation to LPG retail outlets in the study area. Data collected were analysed using industrial and energy/environment process calculations, descriptive statistics, and a standard safety assessment indicator tool. Results showed an estimated total cooking energy demand/month of 46.152 million BTU by 79.5 thousand households. Identified LPG retail facilities were Industrial Storage “Category A” (6), Gas retail station Add-ons (13), and Resellers/“Category D” local dealers (78), with 68% of them located in close proximity to the University and its Teaching Hospital. Total estimated monthly LPG sales and revenues were 131,600 kg and N 154.74 million respectively. The cooking energy consumption consisted of LPG (13.3%) and probable biomass content (86.7%), generating 394.8 Tonnes and between 4,670 – 5,810 Tonnes of carbon-dioxide respectively. Industry safety assessment ratings revealed that industrial storage facilities were rated very good, add-on in Retail station categories were satisfactory while reseller type outlets were rated poor. The study concluded that LPG consumption was low albeit more environmentally viable; the Industrial Storage/Retail station add-on types dominated the local LPG retail industry with satisfactory safety status; while the Reseller type outlets were most widespread, had poor safety status, and consequently high hazard susceptibility. LPG consumption and safety enhancement measures were recommended.