Work has begun in South Africa to build the continent’s largest LPG import and storage facility, its backers have confirmed.

The ZAR 1bn ($68.2m) project, which is being built in Richards Bay, will increase the country’s import capacity by 50%.

The terminals backers, Bidvest Tank Terminals and LPG shipowner Petredec, say it will “ultimately ensure a cost-effective, reliable and safe energy source” for southern Africa.