Tax relief on the way as Tanzania pushes for nationwide clean cooking

Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Energy has unveiled plans to slash taxes on clean energy products to make them more affordable, in pursuit of its goal to have 84 percent of Tanzanians abandon dirty energy sources by 2034.

The initiative aims to ensure all citizens switch to clean cooking energy, leaving behind firewood and charcoal, which threaten both health and the environment.

The Ministry also commended stakeholders, including Oryx Gas, for supporting the plan.

The announcement was made in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, August 14, 2025, by the Ministry’s Director of Clean Cooking Energy, Mr Nolasco Mlay, during the launch of Oryx Gas’s “Gesi Yente” campaign to promote nationwide transition to clean cooking energy.

“When taxes are high, product prices increase. We have drafted a plan to make clean cooking energy products more affordable so that every citizen can access them,” said Mr Mlay.

He noted that a lack of clean cooking energy has severe health and environmental consequences, with the widespread use of firewood and charcoal contributing significantly to deforestation.

“Our strategy is to transition from unclean to clean cooking energy. That is why stakeholders, including Oryx Gas, are working with the government to reach the 84 percent target by 2034,” he said.

“Oryx Gas has played a vital role in this effort due to its presence across many regions. The government continues to work with stakeholders to provide subsidies on gas products so all citizens can afford them, whether for a first-time purchase or refilling,” added Mr Mlay, urging the public to recognise the health risks posed by unclean energy.

Earlier, Oryx Gas Tanzania Managing Director Araman Benoit said the company is intensifying efforts to promote clean cooking energy, citing research that shows thousands of families still depend on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene, fueling respiratory illnesses and environmental damage.

“We live in an era when protecting public health and the environment is more important than ever. Yet many households continue to use polluting fuels, increasing the risk of disease, environmental degradation, and higher long-term living costs,” he said.

“Through the ‘Gesi Yente’ campaign, we aim to return unused gas cylinders stored in homes to the market for reuse. These cylinders are valuable resources that can help families cook safely, quickly, and affordably.”

Mr Benoit said campaign winners would receive prizes, including motorcycles, bicycles, cooking pot sets, and school bags.

He also urged support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking energy both nationally and internationally.

“We encourage all Tanzanians to bring unused gas cylinders back into circulation and stand a chance to win prizes. For those yet to start using gas, now is the time, so we can build a nation powered by clean, safe, and environmentally friendly energy, making Tanzania and the world safer,” he said.