Oil & Gas

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has entered the procurement phase for a major clean energy project involving the importation and installation of six mobile Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Dodoma. Valued at 8.4 billion Tanzanian shillings, the initiative aims to expand access to natural gas for motorists, especially car and Bajaj (three-wheeler) owners in areas lacking permanent CNG infrastructure. Three stations will be set up in Dar es Salaam, while one will be in Morogoro and two in Dodoma.

Speaking over the weekend, TPDC’s Acting Director of Petroleum Business, Emmanuel Gilbert, emphasized that the mobile stations will enable reliable CNG refueling, allowing drivers to confidently travel long distances, such as from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, using gas-powered vehicles. “We are finalising the contracting process,” he said, noting that the stations will be operational within six months. This marks a significant step toward broadening Tanzania’s CNG corridor, promoting convenience and cost-efficiency in urban transportation.

This project aligns with the government’s wider goal to reduce dependence on imported petroleum, cut emissions, and promote sustainable energy. Natural gas, already a cornerstone of Tanzania’s energy transition, is gaining traction due to up to 50% cost savings over petrol or diesel. Gilbert encouraged motorists to convert their vehicles to CNG, citing its dual advantage: economic savings and environmental protection.

In addition to TPDC’s efforts, private sector investment is rapidly expanding CNG infrastructure. Companies like Puma Energy are building four new stations in Dar, with others underway in Tegeta, Ubungo, Mbezi, Tabata, and Kigamboni. Once all stations are completed by December, Gilbert said, Tanzania will see a major boost in CNG reliability and accessibility, solidifying natural gas as a practical, clean alternative fuel. With over 57 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Tanzania is well-positioned to lead East Africa in transport-sector gas adoption.