Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting

The global shift towards sustainable energy systems positions the adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a critical objective. However, a significant disparity exists between these international efforts and the persistent dominance of traditional biomass fuels, such as firewood and charcoal, in Tanzanian households. This study examines the socio-economic determinants of LPG adoption for cooking in urban Tanzania, focusing on Kalangalala Ward, Geita Municipal Council. Grounded in the framework of UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, the research seeks to identify pathways to affordable and clean energy access. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 87 respondent’s households, food vendors, and key informants through structured interviews, questionnaires, and observation using a checklist. A logistic regression analysis identified several factors with a statistically significant positive influence on LPG adoption (p < 0.05): higher household income, greater awareness of LPG benefits, advanced education levels, positive attitudes towards LPG, and the availability of suppliers. Conversely, major adoption barriers included the high initial cost, ongoing refill expenses, safety concerns, and cultural preferences for traditional fuels. Notably, proximity to a refilling station (within 1 km for all respondents) was not a significant factor (p > 0.05). The study concludes that while awareness of LPG's benefits is high, financial barriers are the primary constraint. It is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders develop strategies to lower the upfront and recurrent costs of LPG to foster its consistent use and support a sustainable energy transition in the region.