Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila today launched a pioneering bulk LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) distribution system at the International Ferry Fish Market, in a project implemented by ORYX Energies Tanzania in collaboration with the government.
The initiative is a major step in expanding access to clean energy for fish vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Operating on a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model, the system allows users to pay only for the gas they consume, reducing daily refilling costs from as high as TZS 180,000 to about TZS 45,000.
At the launch, RC Chalamila said the system includes a large central tank supplying gas directly to vendors’ stoves.
“Each vendor now has a meter that measures daily consumption, eliminating guesswork and the need to buy expensive small cylinders. ORYX has ensured safety by installing valves that automatically shut off gas in emergencies,” he explained.
He added that the system allows for easy monitoring of consumption, ensuring timely refills, preventing wastage, and lowering operational costs for small businesses.
“This Pay-As-You-Go system is highly commendable. It enhances efficiency, reduces losses, and ensures safety. ORYX has demonstrated high technical expertise in implementing these safety measures,” he said.
ORYX Gas CEO Benoit Araman said the system is designed to reduce costs, minimize waste, and improve operational efficiency.
“The modern system, developed by ORYX’s technical team, meets national and international safety standards, simplifies operations, allows easy monitoring, and requires minimal maintenance,” he noted.
Dar es Salaam’s Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Economy and Production, Dr. Elizabeth Mshote, said the government aims to have 8 out of 10 people using clean energy by 2034.
Currently, only 3 out of 10 do so, and approximately 33,000 deaths annually are linked to unsafe energy use, with respiratory illnesses among the top five health concerns in the region.
Former Deputy Speaker and Ilala MP Mussa Zungu, who advocated for the project, said the system will simplify business operations for vendors and improve their health and safety.
The PAYG LPG system at Ferry Fish Market is a landmark initiative demonstrating how public-private partnerships can expand access to affordable, clean, and safe energy for small-scale businesses in Tanzania.