Tanzania LPG distribution: Why you may fall victim to scammers

One such victim, Ms Beatrice Nkya of Temeke in Dar es Salaam, shares her harrowing experience.

"I was shocked after the gas finished in three days, despite maintaining the same usage. I had to go back to the dealer to ask what happened," she says.

Her story echoes the frustrations of many who have innocently fallen prey to deceptive practices in the LPG market.

The web of blame extends from retail outlets to distributors, with each party shifting responsibility.

A shop owner in Tegeta suburbs, Mr Abdul Msokwa says consumers do not care about verifying the cylinders when buying.

"I used to have a weighing scale but it was damaged, and I stopped using it. No customer demanded to measure the cylinders before buying," he says.

Similar tales ring across the country. In Arusha, Ms Monika Norkweli recounted her ordeal.

"When I picked up the cylinder, it was very light. I demanded to measure it but the dealer had no weighing scale," she says, adding that it lasted for only one and a half days.

“The absence of transparency stresses a systemic failure to uphold consumer rights and regulatory standards,” she says.

Despite existing regulations stipulating clear guidelines for the sale of LPG cylinders, enforcement remains a lax. The Weights and Measures (Sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations, 2013, outline stringent requirements for marking, labelling, and measuring cylinders.

However, disconnect between regulation and implementation has inspired deceitful actors to operate with impunity.

Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) director general, Dr James Andilile emphasised the need for consumer vigilance, saying the buyers should ensure they weigh the cylinders before leaving the dealer.

"If you weigh and find out that it's fine, ask for a receipt, and if you go out and it runs out quickly in a surprising situation, submit your complaints to the authorities (Ewura) so that an investigation can be carried out and action taken in accordance with the law," he says to The Citizen.

In response to mounting grievances, the Weights and Measures Agency Tanzania (WMA) issued directives mandating sellers to possess scales for measuring cylinders.

The agency acknowledged widespread complaints regarding discrepancies between stated and actual volumes, signaling a need for systemic reform.

Amidst these challenges, the Tanzania LPG Association (TZLPGA) pledges to educate consumers on proper procedures and advocate for adherence to regulatory standards.

The association’s executive director, Mr Amos Jackson stresses the urgency of education.

"Many people do not know their rights or the proper procedures. We must invest in providing comprehensive education to prevent further exploitation," he says.

However, the prevalence of fraudulent practices threatens Tanzania's goal of transitioning to clean sources of cooking energy by 2033.

Despite concerted efforts to promote LPG as a cleaner alternative to firewood and charcoal, trust deficits stemming from rampant scams undermine progress, concerned groups say.

EWURA data highlights a promising trend in increasing LPG imports, indicating a gradual shift towards cleaner cooking fuels.

“Yet, without robust enforcement mechanisms and consumer awareness campaigns, the government's aspirations risk being derailed,” said an expert in the oil and gas sector, Dr Mvungi Johannes.

As Ms Nkya reflects on her ordeal, she voices a sentiment shared by many consumers.

"We need stronger measures to hold sellers accountable and protect consumers. No one should have to endure what I went through," she says.

Only through concerted efforts to uphold transparency, enforce regulations, and empower consumers can Tanzania realise its vision of a cleaner and more sustainable future, according to Dr Johannes.