The future of delivery, how drones are revolutionizing grocery, LPG, and water supply.

By Ekaale Ekuam
8 June 2025

Have you  ever questioned the  capabilities of drones from military, medicine, security and even your normal delivery?
The technology of drones has transformed the idea of logistics and last mile delivery. Though food and medical deliveries through drones have already begun in most nations, the next step is autonomous delivery of daily essentials groceries, LPG gas cylinders, and even bottled drinking water.
Drones offer unmatched speed, efficiency, and affordability, especially in urban and rural areas where traditional delivery networks struggle. As an innovation expert, I explore how drones are reshaping supply chains, where the top countries are, and what the future holds for this revolutionary technology.

The expanding capabilities of delivery Drones include,
Grocery delivery, faster than ever
picture receiving groceries in minutes rather than hours. Amazon (Prime Air) and Walmart in the U.S. have been conducting drone delivery tests for household goods. Amazon was approved by the FAA in 2023 to offer more of its drone delivery services, to deliver packages weighing less than 5 lbs in less than 60 minutes.
Leading countries,using drones to accelerate technology on drone use includes,

Rwanda & Ghana, medical supplies through Zipline but going wider into groceries.

LPG gas cylinders are a lifeline for cooking fuel for most developing nations, but the delivery is usually slow and risky. Drones can ensure quicker, contactless, and safer delivery especially in congested cities or disaster-affected regions where road transport is not reliable.

Potential use cases are limitless
India & Nigeria, where demand for LPG is high but last mile logistics are ineffective.
Japan is experimenting with drone delivery in areas of disaster where fuel supply is essential.

Bottled Water Delivery, emergency and Daily Supply.
Drones have the capability to provide bottled water rapidly in areas where it is limited or in emergencies. Organizations like DJI have already conducted successful water delivery in areas affected by floods.
Real-World examples are as follows just to mention a few.
Australia, Employed drones to airdrop water and supplies during bushfires.
Malawi UNICEF tested drones for emergency water delivery and medical supplies.
Challenges and the road ahead
While great potential is there, significant challenges are the following,
Regulatory Hurdles, most nations lack specific drone delivery legislation.
Payload limitations, presently, drones are capable of only small to medium payloads.
Battery life & range, higher energy density is needed for long delivery scenarios.

Drones are now no longer a dream of the future but a working reality redefining logistics. With enhanced battery life and changing laws, we will see drones transporting not just food and medicines but LPG, groceries, and water on a massive scale. Countries like the U.S., China, and Rwanda are proving that the delivery future lies in the sky.

The question is no longer if drones will dominate last mile delivery, but when they will be an inseparable part of our lives.
Would you ever leave a drone to drop by with your food or gas cylinder? Let me know what you think?

The Author is a Freelance Writer Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.