The launch of a new Orxy fuel station in Karatu District has been described as an important step in creating jobs, improving access to fuel for transport operators, and boosting economic activities in one of Tanzania’s key tourism gateways.
The station, operated under a partnership with Halyaz Company and Orxy Tanzania, was officially inaugurated on May 29, 2026, in Karatu.
Local leaders and company representatives said the investment reflects growing confidence in the district’s economic potential, especially its role as a major route to national parks and tourism circuits.
Karatu District Commissioner Lameck Karanga said the development aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of encouraging domestic investment by creating a friendly environment for private sector growth.
He noted that Karatu continues to attract investors due to its strategic position as the main entry point for tourism activities in northern Tanzania.
He explained that the new fuel station will make it easier for transporters, tour operators, and local residents to access reliable fuel services without having to travel long distances.
He added that the presence of an internationally recognized fuel brand will also improve service standards in the area and strengthen confidence among users in the transport and tourism industries.
Karanga also commended the investors for incorporating environmental beautification in the design of the station, including the development of landscaped gardens at the front of the facility.
He said such initiatives contribute to improving the visual appeal of Karatu town and promote cleanliness, which is important for a district that receives many tourists throughout the year.
He further encouraged other business operators and financial institutions in the district to adopt similar standards of cleanliness and environmental care.
According to him, maintaining a clean and well-organized town is part of promoting tourism and building a positive image of Karatu as a destination.
The District Commissioner also urged local residents and entrepreneurs to take inspiration from the investment by establishing more businesses and service institutions.
He said this would not only create employment opportunities for young people but also help the government expand its tax base and improve service delivery in the area.
Speaking on behalf of Halyaz Company, Managing Director Ally Abdulrazak said the establishment of the fuel station is the result of a long-term vision to ensure that Karatu has access to high-quality energy services.
He explained that the decision to partner with Orxy Tanzania was driven by the company’s reputation for supplying clean and reliable fuel products suitable for different types of vehicles.
Abdulrazak noted that the company already operates another fuel station in Moshi, where many customers in the tourism sector had expressed challenges in accessing quality fuel services when traveling through the Karatu corridor. This demand, he said, influenced the decision to expand operations into the district.
He added that the new station is designed to meet international service standards, with well-trained staff and systems aimed at ensuring efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
The company expects to serve both local residents and the growing number of tourists and transport operators passing through Karatu.
According to him, Halyaz Company has set a target of selling more than 10,000 litres of fuel per day at the Karatu station while also expanding services in lubricants and related energy products.
He emphasized that the goal is to contribute to reliable fuel supply in a region that continues to grow in economic importance.
Representing the Managing Director of Orxy Tanzania, Finance Manager Greyson Francis said the opening of the Karatu station is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its presence across Tanzania and the African continent.
He noted that Orxy Tanzania is already operating in multiple regions across the country and is continuing to increase its network of service stations.
He added that the company operates in 19 African countries and remains committed to providing high-quality fuel services that meet international standards.
He also revealed that Orxy Tanzania plans to open two additional stations in Dar es Salaam in the near future as part of its expansion program.
Francis said the partnership with local investors such as Halyaz reflects Orxy’s commitment to supporting domestic entrepreneurship while ensuring that customers in different regions have access to reliable energy solutions.
The new station is expected to strengthen Karatu’s position as a key logistics and tourism hub, especially for vehicles traveling to and from national parks in northern Tanzania.
It is also expected to reduce fuel shortages and improve efficiency in transport services, particularly during peak tourism seasons.
Local stakeholders believe the investment will encourage further private sector participation in the district, helping to transform Karatu into a more vibrant commercial center while supporting Tanzania’s broader economic development goals.
