Govt targets 450,000 subsidised cylinders distribution

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government plans to distribute 452,445 subsidised gas cylinders nationwide by September this year to promote clean cooking energy. By June, 229,239 cylinders, 50.7 per cent of the target had been distributed.

The Director of Clean Cooking at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Nolasco Mlay said the initiative seeks to shift households from harmful fuels like charcoal and firewood to safer, cleaner alternatives, improving public health by reducing indoor air pollution.

“We are committed to making clean cooking accessible to every Tanzanian household,” he said during the launch of the ‘Gesi Yente’ campaign by Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited (OGTL).

He said the government, through the Ministry of Energy is committed to continuing the coordination of the implementation of the national clean cooking energy strategy, with the goal of ensuring that 80 per cent of Tanzanians transition to the use of clean cooking energy by 2034.

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The three-month campaign aims to raise awareness and promote LPG as a cleaner, safer and more efficient cooking fuel.

According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census by the National Bureau of Statistics, only 16 per cent of Tanzanian households use clean cooking energy, with LPG accounting for just 9.1 per cent.

Oryx Gas Tanzania Managing Director Mr Araman Benoit emphasised the initiative’s focus on protecting public health and the environment by reducing reliance on firewood, charcoal and kerosene.

The company has invested about 6bn/- in the campaign, reaching over 19,000 beneficiaries.