DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko has reiterated the government’s dedication to resolve the challenges faced by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution companies in to ensure efficient service delivery across the country.

Dr Biteko made the statement in Dodoma on Thursday during a key meeting with members of Tanzania LPG Association (TZLPGA) which was attended by senior officials including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Felchesmi Mramba and representatives from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and the Rural Energy Agency (REA).

Addressing the meeting, Dr Biteko emphasised the importance of involving citizens in the government’s clean cooking energy strategy, launched in 2024. 

He acknowledged the crucial role played by LPG subsector for the success of the strategy which aims to increase awareness and use of clean cooking energy.  

He commended the companies for their continued support of the initiative.

“We sincerely thank you for your role for the success of the clean cooking energy strategy and your commitment   to driving public awareness,” he said.

The minister also stressed the importance of ensuring gas cylinder availability in rural areas to reach the target of 75 percent clean cooking energy adoption by 2030, in line with the energy compact signed earlier this year.

“Through the meeting, we aim to make suggestions for improvements in the upcoming Finance Bill as part of the 2025/2026 financial budget. This is an opportunity to address tax-related challenges and enhance public access to clean cooking services,” he said.

Dr Biteko highlighted significant progress since the launch of the clean cooking energy strategy, noting that while only 9 percent of the population used clean cooking energy in 2021, the number had   risen to 33 percent by February 2025. 

The progress, he said, is a testament to the government’s efforts and the global support Tanzania has received, especially through the diplomatic efforts.

Despite the advancements, Dr Biteko acknowledged the ongoing challenge posed by the widespread use of traditional energy sources, such as firewood and charcoal, which remain more accessible in many areas of Tanzania compared to other countries. 

In response to concerns raised by the TZLPGA, particularly regarding the tax burden for gas products, Dr Biteko confirmed that the government is considering relief measures and will take appropriate actions in the near future.

He also encouraged the association to utilise media platforms for public education on the benefits of clean cooking energy and to leverage Tanzania’s port infrastructure in order to establish the country as a hub for LPG distribution in the East African region. 

Hamisi Ramadhani, Chairman of TZLPGA, expressed gratitude for holding the meeting, which he said was crucial in discussing operational challenges and ensuring that LPG distribution companies meet the demand for gas cylinders across the country. 

He also commended the collaboration between the government and the LPG subsector through EWURA, REA and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), which plays a key role to set industry standards.

Ramadhani acknowledged the growing availability of gas cylinders in urban areas but reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding distribution to rural communities.