The Impact of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) on Rohingya Refugees-Reduced deforestation, provided sufficient time to study, and helped in maintaining the shelters clean

📌 Authored by Muhammad Ismail-RAR Institute  

• Introduction

The Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic group from Rakhine State of Myanmar, have faced systemic persecution, genocide, statelessness under the 1982 Citizenship Law, and forced displacement. In August 2017, nearly one million Rohingya fled to Bangladesh. This report highlights their traditional cooking practices, challenges faced before receiving LPG, and the positive transformations brought by LPG distribution in refugee camps.

• Traditional Foods Cooking Strategy of Rohingya

In Myanmar, Rohingya families owned agricultural lands and cultivated rice and vegetables. Firewood collection from forests was the main source of cooking fuel. Men and youths often spent days cutting trees and transporting firewood, reducing study time and increasing environmental damage. 

• Rohingya Refugee Food Cooking Method Before LPG Distribution

After fleeing to Bangladesh in 2017, Rohingya refugees faced acute hardships including lack of water, healthcare, and sufficient shelter. Cooking became a daily struggle, with children and men walking hours to collect dwindling firewood supplies, accelerating deforestation and consuming valuable study and family time.

• Alteration and Benefits After LPG Distribution
• Reduced Deforestation

Before LPG, large-scale tree cutting in surrounding forests caused severe deforestation. The introduction of LPG significantly reduced firewood demand by 80%, helping restore vegetation, protect biodiversity, and reduce environmental degradation in and around Rohingya refugee camps.

• Educational Opportunities

Children and youth who previously spent 6–8 hours daily collecting firewood gained more time for education. LPG access allowed them to focus on studies, enhancing academic outcomes and creating better future prospects for Rohingya students.

• Women’s Empowerment & Time-Saving

Rohingya women previously depended on children or markets for firewood. With LPG, they save hours daily, cook meals on time, and engage in worship, family care, or income-generating activities, improving their dignity and independence.

• Health and Hygiene

Cooking with firewood exposed families to harmful smoke, causing respiratory illnesses. LPG stoves reduced smoke-related health risks and allowed women to maintain cleaner kitchens and cooking utensils, directly improving household hygiene and reducing disease risks.

• Clean and Safe Shelters

LPG provided a smoke-free, cleaner environment in shelters. Families could maintain neat spaces without ash or soot, contributing to healthier living conditions. This improvement enhanced physical well-being and strengthened mental health in overcrowded camps.

• Environmental Protection

By reducing tree cutting, LPG distribution supported sustainable natural resource management. It helped maintain ecological balance, ensured more oxygen supply, and contributed to long-term resilience of both the refugee community and surrounding host environments in Bangladesh.

Comparison Cooking Before Vs After LPG

Conclusion and Recommendations

The introduction of LPG significantly improved the lives of Rohingya refugees by reducing deforestation, empowering women, supporting education, and enhancing health and hygiene. It created sustainable improvements for both refugees and the environment. It is strongly recommended that agencies continue timely LPG distribution to ensure lasting benefits.

References

Dr. Laura H. Kwong (2022). Household Energy Use in Humanitarian Settings.

OCHA (2020). Rohingya Refugee Response Report.

Interviews with Rohingya Refugees (2017–2018).