Biteko urges LPG suppliers to expand gas cylinder accessibility in rural areas

DODOMA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has urged the Tanzania Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (TZLPGA) to expand the availability of gas cylinders to village levels, to support the goal of achieving 75 per cent household adoption of clean cooking energy by 2030.

Dr Biteko said that the initiative aligns with the Energy Compact, which was signed in January 2025 as part of the government’s commitment to expanding clean energy solutions.

Speaking in Dodoma on Thursday during the meeting with TZLPGA representatives, Dr Biteko expressed appreciation for their efforts in implementing the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.

He also engaged in discussions on key challenges faced by the sector to facilitate smoother service delivery nationwide.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, along with officials from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and the Rural Energy Agency (REA).

“To achieve success, the government must work hand in hand with its people. We are grateful for your contribution to the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, which we launched in 2024. Awareness and adoption of gas cylinders continue to grow. While these cylinders remain costly, your dedication and support are commendable,” Dr Biteko said.

He added that the purpose of the meeting was also to discuss challenges that the companies face, including tax issues, which can be addressed in the Finance Bill to be presented in the Parliament during the 2025/2026 budget session.

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“We are here to gather your insights as we approach the government budget, so you can highlight areas for improvement in the Finance Bill and suggest measures to enhance service delivery for citizens,” he said.

He further said that since the launch of the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, Tanzania has gained significant support from Africa and the global community.

He credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s diplomatic efforts for providing the country with a platform to showcase and explain its strategy to the world.

“Tanzania has been invited by several countries, including those more advanced than us. This reflects our commitment to transitioning from firewood and charcoal to clean cooking energy,” Dr Biteko added.

Dr Biteko said that in 2021, only 9 per cent of the population used clean cooking energy, but by February 2025, this figure had risen to 33 per cent.

The progress brings Tanzania closer to its goal of achieving 80 per cent clean cooking energy usage by 2034.

Dr Biteko also urged the association to use Tanzania’s ports to establish the country as a hub for distributing LPG in the East African region, which would provide economic benefits and facilitate the widespread use of clean cooking energy.

On his part, Engineer Mramba said that the government is working on creating special oil reserves, including storage for gas cylinders.

TZLPGA Chairman Mr Hamisi Ramadhani, thanked Dr Biteko for organising the meeting and discussed the ongoing efforts to ensure gas cylinders are available across the country.

He commended the government’s support through EWURA, REA and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) for their role in regulating and guiding the LPG business.

Mr Ramadhani acknowledged that while gas cylinders are more available in urban areas, there is a concerted effort to expand distribution to rural regions, aligning with the goal of ensuring that 75 per cent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2030