The Board of Directors and Management of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) have expressed satisfaction with the progress of the construction of a mother station for compressing and refueling Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at the University area in Dar es Salaam.
The project, which is expected to be completed this month, aims to promote the use of natural gas as an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional fuel sources.
Speaking to journalists today, March 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, TPDC Board Representative Paul Makanza highlighted the importance of the project in reducing the country's dependence on imported fuel.
He noted that the completion of the CNG station will help lower fuel costs for consumers and contribute to the government's efforts to save foreign exchange.
“The completion of this station will significantly reduce the costs associated with fuel imports. Unlike petroleum and diesel, which are subject to price fluctuations in global markets, natural gas is produced locally, making it a more stable and cost-effective energy source,” Makanza said.
He further emphasized that the project aligns with the government's energy transition strategy, which encourages the adoption of clean energy solutions.
The use of natural gas, he added, will not only help in lowering operational costs for businesses and individuals but also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, TPDC Director of Planning and Investment, Derick Moshi, provided an update on the progress of the construction, stating that the project is over 90 percent complete and will soon be operational.
“We are in the final stages of construction, and all necessary infrastructure has been put in place. The remaining work involves final inspections and system testing to ensure the station is fully operational. We expect that before the end of this month, the station will be inaugurated and opened to the public,” Moshi explained.
He also pointed out that the station will play a key role in improving access to CNG for both private and commercial vehicles, supporting efforts to transition to cleaner fuel alternatives.
The TPDC has been working closely with key stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and private sector partners, to ensure that the project meets all safety and operational standards.
According to Moshi, the corporation is also exploring possibilities of expanding similar projects in other regions of the country to promote wider adoption of natural gas as a viable fuel option.
The mother station, located in the Ubungo area of Dar es Salaam, has been implemented at a cost of approximately TZS 14.5 billion.
It is part of a broader initiative by TPDC to expand the use of natural gas in Tanzania, particularly in urban centers where fuel demand is high.
As more people embrace the use of natural gas for transportation, households, and industrial applications, the government anticipates significant economic and environmental benefits.
Experts believe that increased adoption of CNG will lead to reduced air pollution, lower transportation costs, and enhanced energy security for the country.
With the completion of this project, Tanzania takes a crucial step toward modernizing its energy sector and promoting the use of locally available resources to drive sustainable development.
TPDC remains committed to advancing energy infrastructure projects that support economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The inauguration of the CNG station later this month is expected to attract key government officials, industry stakeholders, and members of the public who are eager to witness the milestone achievement.
The event will mark the beginning of a new era in Tanzania’s energy landscape, where natural gas plays a pivotal role in reducing fuel costs and fostering economic resilience.