In a bid to address the critical shortage of petrol refilling stations in rural areas of Tanzania, the Manager of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for the Western Zone, Mr. Walter Christopher, called on oil sector stakeholders to seize the investment opportunities available in underserved regions, particularly in Kigoma.
Speaking during a training session held on December 10, 2024, in Kasulu District, Mr. Christopher highlighted the persistent issue of limited fuel availability in rural areas, where many residents face the challenge of traveling long distances to access petrol.
“In rural areas like Kigoma, the absence of local refilling stations has created a substantial gap in the market,” Mr. Christopher explained.
The gap, according to him, presents a golden investment opportunity. By expanding fuel services into these regions, stakeholders can not only address the local demand but also benefit from the untapped market potential.
Rural Tanzania has long faced difficulties in accessing basic services, and fuel distribution is no exception. Many communities, especially in remote areas, depend on fuel for agriculture, transportation, and daily activities.
Yet, the lack of nearby refilling stations has forced residents to spend considerable time and money traveling to the nearest petrol stations, sometimes located hours away. This challenge, while a source of frustration for locals, represents a significant opportunity for the oil sector to grow.
The Chairman of the Oil Sellers Association in Kigoma, Mr. Salum Ally, expressed his appreciation for EWURA’s proactive approach in raising awareness and providing education to stakeholders about the pressing need for expanded fuel services in rural areas.
“We commend EWURA for recognizing this issue and for taking steps to address it,” Mr. Ally said. “We hope that this initiative continues and that more investors will be encouraged to set up stations in these underserved areas.”
The training session, which brought together oil sector stakeholders, focused on discussing the current fuel distribution challenges in rural Tanzania and the potential solutions. It also served as a platform for encouraging collaboration between government agencies and private investors to bridge the gap in fuel access.
The shortage of petrol stations in rural areas is not just a logistical issue; it has broader economic implications. Many rural communities depend on fuel for their agricultural machinery and transport vehicles, which are critical to sustaining local economies.
With improved fuel distribution infrastructure, rural businesses could experience growth, while local communities would have better access to essential services.
In closing, Mr. Christopher urged stakeholders to view the fuel access challenge not as a problem but as a significant investment opportunity.
“The demand is there. It’s time for investors to respond and help ensure that fuel is more accessible to all Tanzanians, no matter where they live,” he said.