Supply-side factors of LPG adoption and usage frequency in Ghana: Assessing the validity of subjective distance to refill

Abstract

Despite numerous policy efforts to promote the transition to clean cooking fuels, the use of solid cooking fuel persists in developing countries. The scenario calls for a study on the factors influencing the adoption of clean cooking fuels. Hence, this study investigates the supply-side determinants of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) adoption and usage frequency in Ghana. We conduct a survey among 904 households and 19 LPG refill stations and collect self-reported and geolocational data in the Ga South municipality and Ada West districts of Ghana to compare the validity of the subjective and objective measures of distance to refill stations. We find that the distance to refill stations negatively influences LPG's adoption and usage frequency, and the result is robust across different measures of distance. However, the provision of multiple services at refill stations increases household LPG use. Other key factors influencing usage frequency include policy interventions as well as behavioral and socio-economic characteristics of households. Our results support the validity of subjective estimates by respondents on the distance traveled to access a refill station. These findings have significant policy implications, particularly for developing countries facing challenges in infrastructure for the LPG distribution.