In recent years there has been an increasing focus on liquid fuels for domestic use as they offer the potential of reduced indoor air pollution and a more modern, user-friendly experience. Fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene (paraffin) are already extensively used in many developing countries but barriers to their wider dissemination exist, with the recent oil price fluctuations making them increasingly unaffordable to many, together with ongoing safety concerns.
Lately, other types of liquid fuels have risen up the agenda – namely biofuels. Headlines and policies have been dominated by their use as a transport fuel in the North, with the option of domestic consumption in developing countries rarely being mentioned. Potentially offering lower greenhouse gas emissions and greater benefits to local economies, much more information is needed on the measured impacts of fuel alcohols and plant oils - both positive and negative.
This edition of Boiling Point focuses on Liquid Fuels in the household and seeks to draw on both new and existing knowledge in the sector to help create viable markets for these fuels. By exploring the themes common to all liquid fuels some key lessons can be learned: from the creation of sustainable supply chains; to identifying real socioeconomic impacts; through to overcoming barriers to the adoption and use of liquid fuel appliances.
We would like to extend our thanks to Practical Action and GTZ for financial and editorial support toward this edition of Boiling Point. This issue is also kindly supported by GVEP International and CILSS/PREDAS.