IEA-WLGA Forum Advances Clean Cooking, LPG Supply Security, IEA Says
The International Energy Agency and the World Liquid Gas Association brought together representatives from 17 governments and over 80 industry leaders to strengthen global LPG supply resilience, the IEA said Friday.The forum examined how the ongoing Middle East conflict could affect global liquefied petroleum gas markets and explored practical measures to improve supply security with support from governments, industry executives and international organizations.Participants discussed building more LPG storage, expanding supply sources, creating reserve systems and protecting key energy infrastructure, especially in developing economies and import-dependent African countries.Delegates emphasized that LPG remains essential to global energy security, serving as the primary cooking fuel for 3.4 billion people across the developing world, making resilient supply chains increasingly important.Government representatives and industry leaders also called for closer public-private cooperation to reinforce global LPG supply networks and improve preparedness against future geopolitical and market disruptions.The discussions also advanced the International Energy Agency's Clean Cooking Security Program, which aims to identify policies, investment opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen the resilience of global LPG supply chains.Several governments and private-sector participants expressed interest in joining the task force that is developing the program, highlighting growing international support for coordinated action on energy security and access to clean cooking.The International Energy Agency said expanding access to clean cooking remains a global priority because limited access undermines health, education and economic development while contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.