Oil & Gas

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has addressed the growing challenges related to the availability of compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling services at gas stations for vehicles. This clarification was provided by Acting Director of Oil and Gas Business, Engineer Emmanuel Gilbert, during a press conference held on October 3, 2024, in Dar es Salaam. The increasing adoption of CNG vehicles has led to significant demand, creating challenges for refueling infrastructure.

Engineer Gilbert explained that the rise in CNG vehicle usage has outpaced the current supply capabilities at existing refueling stations. To tackle this issue, TPDC is actively working on enhancing the infrastructure to support the increasing number of CNG vehicles on the road. One of the key initiatives is the construction of a new refueling station at the University of Dar es Salaam, set to be completed by December 2024. This facility will feature four refueling pumps, each equipped with two nozzles, allowing for simultaneous refueling of up to eight vehicles at once, with an estimated capacity to serve over 2,000 vehicles daily.

In addition to the university station, TPDC is collaborating with the private sector to complete the construction of 13 additional CNG refueling stations by July 2025. This strategic expansion aims to improve access to refueling services and alleviate the current bottlenecks faced by CNG vehicle users. The initiative underscores TPDC's commitment to facilitating the growth of CNG as a viable and environmentally friendly fuel alternative in Tanzania.

Furthermore, Engineer Gilbert highlighted that various companies are showing interest in establishing gas stations, including Puma Energy, which plans to begin construction of two new CNG stations in the Mbezi Beach and Tegeta areas of Dar es Salaam. This development reflects a positive trend toward expanding the CNG infrastructure in Tanzania, ultimately supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources and enhancing the transportation sector's sustainability.