Biteko Urges Expansion of Gas Cylinder Access in Rural Areas

Biteko Urges LPG Suppliers to Expand Gas Cylinder Access in Rural Areas

Dodoma, Tanzania – February 22, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called on the Tanzania Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (TZLPGA) to broaden the distribution of gas cylinders to rural villages. This initiative supports the government’s ambitious goal of achieving 75% household adoption of clean cooking energy by 2030.

Speaking in Dodoma during a meeting with TZLPGA representatives, Dr. Biteko emphasized that this expansion aligns with the Energy Compact signed in January 2025, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions.

During the meeting, Dr. Biteko acknowledged the association's efforts in implementing the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy. He also discussed the critical challenges that the LPG sector faces, particularly in improving service delivery across the country.

In attendance were key figures, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, and officials from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and the Rural Energy Agency (REA).

Dr. Biteko praised the TZLPGA’s contributions to the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, which was launched in 2024. He noted that while the adoption of gas cylinders continues to rise, they remain costly. However, he commended the association for its efforts to raise awareness and encourage adoption.

"The success of this initiative requires cooperation between the government and the people," Dr. Biteko remarked. "We appreciate your ongoing support, and we are working to address challenges like taxes in the upcoming Finance Bill for the 2025/2026 budget session."

The government also intends to collaborate with the TZLPGA as it prepares the Finance Bill, seeking the industry's feedback to enhance the business environment and ensure better service delivery to citizens.

Dr. Biteko highlighted the international recognition Tanzania has gained for its clean cooking energy efforts. He credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s diplomatic work for elevating the country’s profile on the global stage, showcasing Tanzania’s commitment to transitioning from firewood and charcoal to clean cooking energy.

Tanzania's progress in this area has been remarkable. In 2021, only 9% of the population used clean cooking energy. By February 2025, this number had increased to 33%, bringing the country closer to its goal of achieving 80% clean cooking energy usage by 2034.

Furthermore, Dr. Biteko encouraged the TZLPGA to leverage Tanzania’s ports to establish the country as a hub for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution in East Africa, a move that would bolster the nation’s economy and promote wider adoption of clean cooking energy.

Engineer Mramba also outlined that the government is working on creating special oil reserves, including storage for gas cylinders, as part of its efforts to enhance the LPG supply chain.

In response, TZLPGA Chairman, Mr. Hamisi Ramadhani, expressed gratitude to Dr. Biteko for facilitating the meeting. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure the availability of gas cylinders nationwide. While distribution remains more widespread in urban areas, Mr. Ramadhani assured that there is a concerted push to expand LPG availability to rural regions in line with the government’s 2030 goal.