Firm fuels ‘kadogo’ economy with Pima Gas dispenser

February 08, 2012 / Comments: 101
A cooking gas dispenser has been launched that will allow consumers to refill for as little as Sh50.
Premier Gas general manager Michael Momanyi during the launch of Pima Gas in Nairobi, on Tuesday February 7 2012. Diana Ngila

Premier Gas general manager Michael Momanyi during the launch of Pima Gas in Nairobi, on Tuesday February 7 2012. Diana Ngila 


Pima Gas images, videos and details

Premier Gas, a cooking gas dealer, says the new product will shield the users from health and environmental hazards associated with charcoal use.

The firm has developed a mobile calibrated LPG pump that allows for partial refills from a minimum of Sh50.

The gas will be sold through one kilogramme cylinders in the market with a refill costing Sh300.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows the country consumed 61,400 tonnes of cooking gas last year, translating into a per capita consumption of 1.59kg. This is below Africa’s average of three kilogrammes per person.

“Refilling will make it easy for consumers to purchase and use LPG. We aim to pull biomass and kerosene users to start using LPG,” said Michael Momanyi, the general manager of Premier Gas at the launch in Nairobi yesterday.

The empty one kilogramme cylinder will retail at Sh2,000. Currently, the smallest gas cylinder in the market has a capacity of 3kg.

The Pima Gas initiative comes when the price of cooking has been rising, occasioned by erratic supply caused by inadequate storage infrastructure.

Gas shortage saw the price of refilling a 13kg cylinder go up from an average Sh2,500 in the first half of 2011 to a peak of Sh5,000 in November/December.

A spot check by Business Daily yesterday established that the 6kg and 13kg LPG retail at Sh1,550 and Sh3,300 respectively.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank private sector lending arm, has invested $2million in the venture, securing a 20 per cent equity in Premier Gas.

“Our involvement in clean energy initiatives by supporting products such as Pima Gas will help reduce health risks and greenhouse emissions,” said Ms Aida Kimemia, the principal investment officer at the IFC.

IFC said low penetration of LPG portends a huge market especially for the bottom of the pyramid consumers who cannot afford a complete refill.

The moveable LPG unit has a storage capacity of 25kg. Pima Gas will retail at Sh300 per kilogramme but partial refills starts from Sh50.

Premier Gas is constructing a bulk LPG filling plant and storage facility with a capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes to ensure a steady supply of the commodity.

Construction of the facility in Nairobi’s Industrial Area began last year and is due to be completed in the next three months.

The African Gas and Oil Company is also building a 28,000 tonne LPG storage facility adjacent to the port of Mombasa.

Pima Gas has started selling in Nairobi, focusing on the low end mass market.

The firm has installed 15 LPG mobile units in Embakasi and Pipeline estates.

The introduction of partial LPG cylinder refills will help minimise environmental degradation due to wood and charcoal harvesting.

It is also a health bet against Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) caused byfuel smoke.

VAT Bill

In 2005, Finance minister David Mwiraria removed value added tax on cooking gas with a view to reduce use of biomass fuel especially firewood and charcoal. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of Kenyan households depend on biomass fuels for cooking and heating.

However, LPG cylinders and other appliances like valves still attract a 16 per cent Value Added Tax as well as 25 per cent import charges.

The proposed VAT Bill has removed LPG from the list of commodities that are exempt from paying the tax, meaning consumers will pay more for cooking gas should the Bill come into law.

Unlike other petroleum products whose prices are regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission,

LPG prices are determined by market forces of demand and supply.

hdavid@ke.nationemdia.com

Courtesy
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    Comments: 101

    • ruth njoki Feb 09

      hi, this is ruth and i would like to be agent of pima gas at githurai 45. what are the requrements and condations?. please reply or call me 0728-835 623

    • Judith Okech Feb 09

      This is a smart one. I would like to be an agent at Embakasi near AA Driving school. What are the requirements? Please email me or call me on 0722327964, 0735354666.

    • Albert kange Feb 09

      Very brilliant idea! Finaly our environment shall be saved. Plz i would like to be an argent in kisumu - kondele area just give me your requirements.

    • christine Feb 10

      Good idea, I would like to be an agent in Mwatate Taita taveta. Please let me know the requirements.

    • Margaret Feb 11

      Good idea.would like to be an agent in kakamega.

    • winnie okelloh Feb 12

      this is a good thing especialy for those who could not aford to buy a 6kg gas cylinder i would like to be an agenet in malindi.

    • Joyce Leting Feb 13

      Finally the common man can benefit from this. Hongera. I wish to be an agent in Kericho Town, can i pls have the requirements. My contacts- 0722420050, 0786420050.

    • Olive Lumala Feb 13

      Great idea. I'd like to be an agent here in Kampala - Uganda. My contacts: 256772448831

    • Lydia Muthoro Feb 13

      Yes, the idea is good for both the cosummer and a prospective agent like me.I Assure you Unoja estate would be a location ideal for this kind of venture. Please send me details of requirement in terms of minimum capital and space I look forward to this business.My no 0722 844 509

    • jane Feb 13

      a smart innovation.i would like to be an agent in mombasa changamwe area.mobile 0720789125.

    • Samora Machel Feb 13

      I like the change your company's making in revolutionizing the gas outrage, and bringing it down to an affordable price. Please advice on the procedures and conditions of being a Pima Gas agent. Email at: m.samora.m@gmail.com/0725678896

    • michael Feb 14

      i like the idea and would like to learn more about this kind of business venture.please send me the requirements email me at katumomichael22yahoo,com or call me 0725596406

    • martin Feb 14

      this is a timely idea.i welcome and support the pioneers.I am willing to join as a dealer in meru.please notify me on how to go about it through mwiti2000@yahoo.com/0725 837 705

    • James Feb 14

      It is a wonderful idea and has come at a time when Kenyans are really hurting economically. I would like to be an agent at Nairobi Mathare area. What are the requirement? Please Call with the necessary information. My number is 0726314799

    • paul Feb 14

      i would like to be a dealer at umoja nairobi please send me the requirement,

    • Francis Feb 14

      I would like to be an agent in meru

    • fridah kawira Feb 14

      this a very good deal for me since i have capital and i dnt know what to do. how can i reach you?? callme 0722 219 777

    • Lucy Feb 15

      thank you for introducing a product that targets the majority of low income customers...that's the essence of proper marketing. i'd like to be an agent in kawangware. my contact is 0721 726755

    • geoffrey mutua Feb 15

      brilliant idea please let me how i can retail at dandora my cell phone no.0722336610

    • CHRISTIAN OMOLO Feb 15

      CHRISTIAN OMOLO: Thats a great idea i would like 2 be an agent in kangemi nairobi what r the requirements i wish you could also re fill other cylinders like 6kg and 13 kg is it possible my no. is 0720964597/0751419655

    • Tony Feb 15

      Good idea at the right time.I would like to partner with you and be your agent at Ruiru.Thank you and good job

    • benson Feb 15

      this is the most economic grown up thing next to construction of thika rd. i congratulate you for this great idea and ask more details of being your agent in kiambu and othaya towns

    • wilson Feb 15

      please give me agency requirements.

    • peninah kithao Feb 16

      thats a good idea.I would like to become your supplier at kisumu-ahero.i already have a registered company.what are the other requirements.please let me know or call me on 0722409897.thanks.

    • michael Feb 16

      I would like to request agency requirements and an approximate profit margin

    • joseph mbugua Feb 16

      hi i wouled like to be an agent at kangemi please e mail me the requrement

    • Samson K: Feb 16

      This is brilliant. I would like to be a dealer at Ruiru. Pls give requirements.

    • HILDA Feb 16

      HILDA: OOOh great! i would like to be an agent deale at Ganjoni Mombasa what are the requirements?

    • Diana Feb 16

      Premier Gas Limited kudos for a boost in the kadogo ecomony and easiers access to gas plus promoting green economy...i would like to be a distributing agent in Zimmerman and i would like to know your requirements. My mobile is 0705188367.Thanks

    • DAVID Feb 16

      Great idea,want 2b in da business.pls giv requirement details.

    • Hezekiah Feb 16

      this is the best thing yet at least now i now there is somebody who thinks of the ordinary mwananchi, let me know what it will take for me to be one of your esteemed agents 0720 204 219 is my number

    • James Mwangi Feb 17

      I would like to become an agent of this company.Kindly advice how this can be achieved.

    • carol Feb 17

      excellent idea - kudos!!kindly get in touch would like to be an agent in embakasi.

    • victor Feb 17

      this is very innovative. would like to be an agent in huruma and mathare estates. 0723365838

    • FAUSTINE EGESA Feb 18

      A very brilliant idea. I would like to be an agent at Utawala in Embakasi. Please let me know the requirements.

    • Peter ngugi Feb 18

      What a brilliant idea ?pls let me get the requirement to be yr agent at ngong town

    • Ben Mburu Feb 19

      How can i become an agent? Kindly assist me by detailing the requisites and training workshops if any. regards, Bernard.

    • Bernard O Feb 20

      A very timely idea. I am interested to be part of the team as you roll out beyond Nairobi. I would like to be an agent in Kisumu particularly the populous Kondele and Nyalenda areas. What are the requirements? Thanks, Bernard.

    • Jacqueline Feb 21

      Brilliant Idea. I would like to be an agent in Juja, Thika. Please let me know how to?

    • Josephine Osundwa Feb 21

      Hi Good idea I would like to be an agent at Kibera. Thank you so much,

    • peter chege mwangi Feb 21

      I have a business room at Pipeline EMBAKASI. How can I b a pima gas retailer?

    • Lorenz Katiku Feb 21

      HiAm in Mombasa,I would like to know the requirements in becoming an agent/retailer.

    • Ruth Feb 22

      Great business idea. wish to be an agent/dealer in kitengela. pls give the requirements. 0720332333

    • Hassan Feb 22

      How do I get dealership? Would like to it in Nairobi and Ngong. Pls get back to me.

    • Nashon Feb 22

      Hi,vry revolutionary idea.please would like details with regard to agency requirements.

    • LEWIS NYARIBO Feb 23

      Revolutionary idea how do I get to be your down-line agent in Kisii and Nyamira Counties? 0723813257

    • Lillian Ochieng Feb 23

      An excellent idea, i would like to be an agent in Githurai 44 and what are the requirements?

    • john Feb 23

      please advise me how i can be an agent in bamburi mombasa what is required coz this is just a great idea

    • Ken Ochieng Feb 23

      Please advise me how i can be an agent in South B shopping center. What is required? This is just a great idea and an opportunity that I must persue ! 0702728631

    • CAROLYN WAGUMBA Feb 23

      Carolyn Wagumba :Nice idea would like to be a dealer at Embakasi Village I have a stall there

    • irene Feb 23

      With the Kadogo economy this is the right way to go about it please update me on the requirements to start i want to help the kawaida kenyans

    • kevin maina Feb 23

      FIRM FUELS ‘KADOGO’ ECONOMY WITH PIMA GAS good work its everyones dream to start using gas i would like to be a dealer in kahawa Wendani whats the requirements? 0724705877

    • David Wasike Feb 24

      Great idea especially for the lower class level i hail from Gachie, how can i get the gass+cylinder?

    • Purity Feb 26

      brilliant idea, I would like to be an agent in kasarani. please send me details 0737752566

    • Annette Omondi Feb 27

      amazing......id like to be an agent....my n.o is 254 723 622 504

    • calcon Feb 27

      Hi, I would like to be an agent in Huruma and Umoja. My number is 0738671337 or 0717334150

    • Agnes Wanjiru Feb 28

      Hi, A very nice idea for the common mwananchi. I would like to be an agent at Kawangware. What are the requirements?

    • Agnes Wanjiru Feb 28

      My celphone number is 0725413080

    • Simion Muturi Muhia Feb 28

      What a great innovation? I would like to be an agent in Kayole. Kindly let me know the requirements. My Tel No.s 0722817152, 0739810226. Where can currently purchase a cylinder + gas for home use?

    • Catherine Njoki Feb 29

      This is a brilliant idea, l would like to be an agent in Olekasasi

    • George Kinuthia Mar 03

      What are the procedures of becoming an agent,i would like to retail at Thogoto in Kikuyu.You may contact me on 0720854540.

    • Margaret wanjiru Mar 03

      Hi, good idea, i'd like to be an agent at Uthiru, pls send me requirements. My no. 0722 503748.

    • Geoffrey Muyaua Mar 05

      Hi, this is so cool .I would like to be an agent in in Mlango kubwa ,Eastleigh and Zimmerman. My number is 0738158018 or 07120679811

    • Racheal Mar 05

      Hi great idea. i would like to be an agent in Juja what are the procedures

    • caro mulaa Mar 07

      I will like to be an agent in kayole nairobi and Bumala in Busia county what are the requirement. please reply via mail. thank u.

    • Lucy Kivindyo Mar 08

      I would like to be your agent or vendor at Ruaka on Limuru Road near Banana. Pls contact me on Tel 0724329335 or 0734940520. Kindly I would also like to know where your offices are so that I can pay you a visit immediately. Thank you.

    • George Mar 08

      hi,thats a smart one ,would like to be an agent in kawanware,Ruai,or rongai .let me know the requirements and possibility. 0721 221935

    • DANIEL Mar 12

      This is a great idea intimes we are talking of clean energy.What are the requirement for one to become an agent?my number is 0721 461 484

    • Regina Wangiko Mar 13

      I would like to be an agent of this good product 'Pima Gas" Kindly contact me with details and conditions of application. )720305219 or 0725988880 Am in Nanyuki Laikipia County.

    • george kaimenyi Mar 16

      I like this. am ready to be an agent in Isiolo. contact: 0729884792.

    • scola john Mar 20

      the idea is brilliant and favorable to a common mwananchi. Please send me the details of how to acquire the license to carry out the business. thanks.

    • Ng'ang'a Mar 21

      I would like to be an agent in Kabiria Dagoretti and murang'a. please email me the requirements.

    • jacqueline wambui Mar 23

      yes, good idea, i also would like the the details and requirements on how i could be a "pima gas vendor/agent" in kahawa sukari and kahawa wendani. you can reach me on 0721545386. quick response will be highly aprreciated.

    • Mackean Otieno Mar 23

      I'd like to be an agent premise ready at Pangani please reply with requirements

    • mwangi Mar 26

      i would like to be agent kayole which are requiremnt please.

    • siphira Mar 30

      am siphira i woould like to be an agent at mwiki. please email me the details and and the requirement or call. 0727343306. thanks

    • judy waweru Mar 30

      such a great idea,wud want to be an agent in kahawa west'my shop is in a good location.kindly email me the details n physical address.my no. is 0725598492.

    • kwasi Mar 31

      want to distribute in Ghana and the whole west Africa what is the way forward waiting to hears from you kwasi

    • martin gathuki Apr 05

      great idea i would like to be an agent in zimmerman how do go about it

    • brenda Apr 11

      Hi i would like to be an agent in umoja tena estate what are the requirements my phone no is 0722932551

    • morris mwadime Apr 16

      Hey, i would like to be an agent in ongata Rongai. Please let me know your requiments. Mobile 0722665060.

    • stephen kyalo Apr 25

      a great innovation. Please contact me i am intrested and can represent you in makueni

    • John Miura Apr 25

      Great idea. Ready and willing to start today as an agent in Nyeri and Othaya.Kindly contact me on 0720 800 365.Am longing for this opportunity.

    • JANE WANJIRU May 04

      Wonderful and great idea. Mwananchi hatateseka tena. I would like to become an agent within Kiambu town. Please get in touch with me on 0722801907.

    • john gitau May 28

      pima gas is a great idea whose time has come. i would like to be an agent at kangemi. please provide me with the requirements of becoming one. my number is 0722328434/0724872800.

    • Kihara Jun 05

      a great innovation. Please contact me i am interested and can represent you in Umoja 1

    • michael mutwiri Jun 06

      this is the way for the economic and health matters and towards vision 2030. i would like to become an agent in githurai, uthiru and kikuyu what are he requirements my numbrs are 0726006333

    • Victor N. Jun 16

      I can see we have a lot of interested investors in this venture. I have a food vending business which is targeting low income earners with a single dealership turnover estimated at over 5K per day in gross profit for u. Do you have some 100K to invest in the business and be able to control your zone. We will equip and supply you with the finished product on a daily basis, so your worry should be only in selling and making your customers happy. First come First served basis. Call me 0703547021 or email virtualkreative@gmail.com. Only serious prospects with prove to show willingness to invest will be given access to information

    • jesse Jun 18

      good stuff.0725709688

    • caren daudi Aug 27

      great idea i would like to be an agent at umoja how do go about it

    • Reuben Lenjo Sep 16

      That's a brilliant idea.Kenyans nowdays want kadogo in this harsh economy.I want to be an agent in Eastlands.

    • Joash Masese Sep 21

      Very good idea id like to be an agent at Nakuru section 58 and Kabachia area. contact me asap. 0714372728

    • sameul njoroge njenga Oct 16

      i want to be an agent in ongata rongai it can do very good

    • Much Nov 22

      This is a noble idea. It will greatly reduce the green house gasses effect on our environment. What are the requirements to be an agent? 0722289647 sms

    • Wendy Kanana Jan 03

      I would like to know more about this product.thanks

    • mary gatu Mar 17

      This brilliant idea but am disappointed coz am try to call u but no one is answering and now mko mteja! plz

    • GODFREY NDIANGUI Mar 25

      please send me details of how to become an agent in the Pangani area. thank you tel 0722 736 276

    • Yasmin Namsi Mar 29

      its a good thing please send me the requirement to be an agent in Koma rock estate nairobi my mobile no.0718609748 or 0732457566

    • GEORGE M. NDUNG`U May 20

      Best idea for the low class people at the right time.i d like to partner and venture in this business by being an Agent at Banana market. please send me the requirements,terms .and conditions through Email;mwasgraphix@gmail.com

    • joseph May 20

      its a good thing please send for me requirement to be an agent and how soon is it.

    • joseph May 20

      how much money do one get in one tube

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