ORYX Energies Launches First Bulk LPG Distribution System at Ferry International Fish Market, Dar es Salaam

ORYX Energies Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government and market stakeholders, has officially launched the country’s first bulk LPG distribution system at the Ferry International Fish Market in Dar es Salaam.

This historic project marks a major step in enhancing access to clean energy for fish vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs at the market. The new system allows users to pay according to their consumption (PAYG), enabling vendors to pay only for the gas they use. This eliminates the high costs of refilling cylinders and reduces daily expenses to as low as TZS 45,000.

Speaking at the launch event, where a large storage tank has been installed to distribute gas directly to the vendors’ stoves, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila said the system allows each vendor to pay based on actual usage.

“Each trader now has their own meter that records daily consumption before and after use. There is no more guesswork, no more being forced to buy small cylinders at high costs,” he said.

Chalamila added that Oryx has prioritized safety by installing valves that automatically shut off the gas in case of emergencies at each stove. He emphasized that large-scale gas usage requires the highest safety standards.

He further noted that monitoring consumption levels will be easier to ensure timely refilling of the central tank. Costs have now dropped significantly, with some traders who previously spent up to TZS 180,000 on daily refills saving as much as TZS 45,000 every day.

“With this Pay-As-You-Go system, this is truly commendable. There is no wastage, no unused gas as was the case with small cylinders. I am confident in Oryx’s expertise in ensuring safety. All precautions, including fire extinguishers and emergency protocols, are in place,” Chalamila said.

On his part, Oryx Gas Managing Director Benoit Araman explained that the project’s goal is to cut refill costs, reduce wastage, and improve efficiency.

“This is a modern system designed by the Oryx Gas technical team in compliance with both national and international standards. It ensures operational simplicity, sustainable supply management, modern monitoring, and requires only minimal maintenance,” he said.

Earlier, Engineer Innocent Luoga, Commissioner for Energy at the Ministry of Energy, outlined ongoing government efforts to promote clean cooking energy and commended Oryx for its role in advancing the clean cooking agenda.

“Since the launch of the National Clean Cooking Strategy in January 2024, significant progress has been made, with increased adoption of gas stoves nationwide. The Government’s target is that by 2034, 80% of Tanzanians will be using clean cooking energy,” Eng. Luoga stated.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Ilala MP, Mussa Zungu, expressed his delight at the installation of the system. He recalled that vendors at the market had previously presented their needs to him, prompting him to engage Oryx Gas.

“Research shows that many deaths worldwide are linked to unsafe cooking fuels. This project will help safeguard the health of our traders. The goal is to enable them to conduct business peacefully, but there is also a need for continuous education on this initiative,” Zungu emphasized.