Currently, to purchase cooking gas, one must have enough money to buy a full gas cylinder. However, this may soon change, allowing individuals with just 2,000 RWF to pay for gas at a station, similar to how fuel is purchased.
This new system will be possible through a partnership between Jibu Co Rwanda, a company specializing in drinking water production and household gas distribution, and Saisan Co Ltd, a Japanese company known for its expertise in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business.
The collaboration is expected to revolutionize gas management and sales in Rwanda. The agreement between both parties was signed on Wednesday.
During the signing ceremony, Galen Welsch, CEO of Jibu Co., highlighted that the combined experience of both companies in different markets will help improve access to quality gas services for Rwandans.
He stated, “The gas will now be sold under the brand name ‘Jibu Gas One.’ Additionally, we will introduce an innovative system in various areas to make gas more accessible in new ways.”
Key changes brought by this Partnership
One of the major changes will be the introduction of refill stations, where customers can bring their cylinders to be refilled. A unique feature of this system is that users will receive gas based on the amount of money they have.
For example, if a customer pays 2,000 RWF, their cylinder will be connected to a machine that dispenses gas in proportion to the payment made. Once the amount reaches 2,000 RWF, the machine will automatically stop, allowing the customer to take their gas home. This system is expected to be rolled out across the country in the near future.
Additionally, a specialized system will be installed to supply gas directly to homes. Users will be billed at the end of a 30-day period based on the amount of gas they have consumed. Due to the infrastructure and investment required, this system will initially be implemented in apartment buildings.
The model will function similarly to how water bills from WASAC are paid in households. Jibu Co Rwanda management stated that this initiative will provide a long-term solution for individuals who run out of gas unexpectedly, avoiding the inconvenience and financial losses associated with sudden shortages.
Takehiko Kawamoto, CEO of Saisan Co Ltd, emphasized that safety and customer support in case of technical issues will be a top priority in this partnership.
He explained, “The country’s policies and Rwanda’s security were key factors in our decision to invest here. We also aim to contribute to the reduction of charcoal and firewood usage by ensuring that gas prices are affordable for everyone.”
He added, “We are committed to ensuring high safety standards and will closely collaborate with the Rwandan government to prevent accidents. Additionally, we will provide training for our employees, who will, in turn, educate customers on proper gas usage.”
Muvuna Mediatrice, who runs Jibu’s water purification business, stated that the partnership would provide them with valuable expertise and that the ability to purchase gas based on available funds is an exciting development.
