The use of (Liquified Petroleum Gas) LPG in cooking is increasingly in demand since many people in urban areas prefer to use gas for cooking. Recently, there has been the establishment of many LPG companies to meet the demand for gas. Since gas is becoming an essential commodity in households, and starting LPG gas business in Kenya to provide gas will earn you good profits. If you wish to start gas business in Kenya, it is an excellent idea.
After registering a company in Kenya, this is how to start LPG retail business in Kenya.
Draft a Business Plan
It is essential to have a business plan for any business idea. It helps you put down your goals and track them over time. It is also important for evaluating business models like the analysis of various operational aspects for the success of any business. Make sure to include business location, startup costs, market segmentation, cashflow projections, risks, strengths and weaknesses of the business.
Acquire the Necessary Licenses and Permits
To operate an LPG business in Kenya, you need the following business licenses and permits.
Energy Regulation Commission License
To get the Energy Regulation Commission license in Kenya, you need to provide your business location and indicate your gas supplier. You must also meet the safety requirements for LPG to avoid disasters like fire. Among the requirements to operate a retail LPG gas business, you must store gas cylinders in the open and you must have a fire extinguisher. The cost of the license is around Ksh 5,000 every month.
Trading License
Just like any other business, you need a trading license to start a retail gas business. You can obtain one from your local authority or county government offices. The price ranges between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 10,000 annually.
Fire License
Fire licenses are taken as a proof that you meet the requirements to avoid fires and in case of fires, you can control it. As such, you need to have fire extinguishers. You can get the license from county councils at Ksh 3,000.
KRA Certificate
This certificate is for ensuring that your business complies with Kenya Revenue requirements. As such, you need to pay taxes and file returns.
Weights and Measures Certification
This certificate is taken to ensure that your gas meets the required weights and measures. You need to have a proper weighing scale. You can get the license at around Ksh 1,200.
Assess the LPG Market
Before you can start an LPG retails business, you need to assess the market needs. For example, determine if people near you are using cooking gas in their households. In this case you can start cooking gas business in Kenya. Also, get to know the weight that is commonly used by a majority of people. In most places, 6kg gas cylinders are fast-moving.
Find a Good Business Location
A good business location for LPG retail business in Kenya is near residential areas. Also, densely populated areas do well for LPG gas. In towns, most people use cooking gas in their household, unlike in rural areas where a majority of people use firewood and kerosene. Ensure that the area your business is operating in there is no unhealthy business competition. Having suppliers near you is a factor to consider to avoid high costs when transporting gas cylinders.
Advertise Your Cooking Gas Retail Business
It would be best if you advertised your cooking gas retail business for potential customers to know about the existence of your business. The most excellent way to advertise your business is through the use of stickers. Design good business posters and stick them at the entrances of residential areas and electricity poles. Ensure to indicate the business name and contact details. When people need a refill, they will call you to deliver.
Equipment for Starting an LPG Retail Business in Kenya
To start cooking gas retail business in Kenya, you need the following equipment.
Gas Cylinders
It would be best if you had different brands of LPG cylinders. And since your business is retail, your work is to exchange empty gas cylinders for refilled cylinders. You can get filled gas cylinders from gas companies. The Energy Regulation Commission controls the prices of gas in Kenya. Usually, a 6 kg gas goes for between Ksh 800 and Ksh 1000. LPG cylinders are available in the following quantities.
- 3 kilograms. It is commonly used in low-income areas.
- 6 kilograms. It is commonly used in most areas.
- 13 kilograms. It is preferred by middle income and high-income people.
Metallic Cage
One of the requirements for gas retailers is that they should store gas in open areas. As such, you need a metallic cage where you will be keeping your gas cylinders. You can order one from your gas brand provide or get one from local welders.
Fire Extinguisher
You need a fire extinguishers as a precautionary measure against any fire outbreaks. Many fire extinguishers providers can supply you. Fire extinguishers cost between Ksh 3,500 and Ksh 7,000.
Digital Weighing Scale
It would be best if you had a weighing scale when selling cooking gas. Customers need to confirm that the gas meets the required measurements before buying. You can get a digital weighing scale from hardware at the cost of around Ksh 15,000.
LPG Suppliers in the Kenyan Market
Recently, many companies have been targeting the Kenyan LPG market due to their high demand that is coming with urbanization. The following are the standard LPG suppliers in the market.
- Total Kenya
- Hashi Energy
- KenolKobil (K-Gas)
- National Oil
- Proto Energy
Is Gas Business Profitable in Kenya?
With growing urbanization in Kenya, the use of gas for cooking and heating is on the rise. This has led to the high demand for LPG gas in the country. The rise in demand means gas business is profitable in Kenya especially if you follow the practical tips in this article such right location, good customer service and patience.
Final Words on How to Start LPG Retail Business in Kenya
To excel in the LPG retail business, you need to be different from other retailers in the market. For instance, you need to offer after-sales services to customers by delivering LPG cylinders to their homes. Also, make sure that your gas meets the measurement requirements. You need to measure cylinders whenever customers come for a refill, which is essential to win their trust. With time, you will have a large market share after your business has established a name.
