State focuses on clean energy
DODOMA: HE government plans to subsidise 452,445 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders worth 10bn/- in the coming financial year, to improve access to clean energy for Tanzanians.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Judith Kapinga disclosed this during the questions and answers session in Parliament yesterday, while responding to a question from Neema Lugangira (Special Seats, CCM).
The lawmaker had inquired about the government’s plans to lower prices of the LPG cylinders so as to attain the target of ensuring the use of clean energy by 80 per cent of Tanzanians by 2033/2034.
Responding, Deputy Minister Kapinga reaffirmed the government’s resolve to reduce the cost of LPG cylinders for households.
“The government has provided subsidies for 83,500 gas cylinders worth 3.5bn/- which were manufactured by LPG industries.
And in the 2024/2025 financial year, the government will subsidize 452,445 LPG cylinders worth 10bn/-,” she informed the House.
The deputy minister said the government continues to invest in the construction of gas transportation and distribution pipes for households.
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“Also, the government in collaboration with the private sector is planning to expand the infrastructure for handling larger LPG vessels, which will definitely cut the cost of the product,” she stressed.
Ms Kapinga further stated that the government will keep encouraging private sector individuals involved in the LPG and natural gas distribution and trading to invest in both mobile and permanent gas filling stations in every district.
Asking a supplementary question, Hai MP Saasisha Mafue highlighted that the initial costs of LPG cylinders significantly impact gas prices, suggesting that government interventions should focus on lowering the initial costs of purchasing gas cylinders.
Deputy Minister Kapinga responded that President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been championing clean energy and clean cooking in the country and globally, had already directed the ministry to promote investment in gas storage and distribution technologies.
“Discussions are ongoing with LPG dealers to encourage investment in the production of gas cylinders, aiming to increase access and affordability of the product while reducing the costs of refilling,” she said.
On the other hand, she revealed that Mikocheni and Mbezi areas in Dar es Salaam already have household gas infrastructure while plans are underway to construct more infrastructure in the region.
