GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS CNG INFRASTRUCTURE IN DRIVE FOR ENERGY REVOLUTION.




📌 Construction permits for CNG stations to be issued swiftly to attract investors.

📌 Financial institutions urged to provide loans to investors in the gas sector.

📌 Puma Tegeta station set to become the largest CNG facility in Dar es Salaam and Africa.

📌 Government to begin using CNG-powered vehicles instead of diesel and petrol.


Dar es Salaam, August 29, 2025


In efforts to enable Tanzania to advance in the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles, the Government, through the Ministry of Energy, continues to strengthen the availability of critical infrastructure, including the construction of new refueling stations in various areas.


Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Oil and Gas, Dr. James Mataragio, made the remarks during an inspection tour of ongoing CNG station construction projects in Dar es Salaam.


“The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), and the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), has put in place solid strategies to ensure accelerated distribution of CNG. This includes improving the permit issuance system for new station construction so that permits are granted quickly,” said Dr. Mataragio.


He emphasized that this measure aims to attract more investors and speed up service availability across the country.


Dr. Mataragio also noted that the previous perception among some investors that investing in the energy sector is highly costly and risky has begun to change, thanks to various initiatives taken by the Government to encourage both local and foreign investment.


Additionally, he urged financial institutions, especially banks, to continue issuing loans to investors in the gas sector, stressing that the market demand is high and loan repayment will be manageable given the profitability of the business.


During the tour, Dr. Mataragio inspected the progress of CNG station construction at Tegeta (Puma), Goba (BQ and Tanzania State Natural Gas), Mwenge (Enego Energies), Africana (Tan Health), and the TPDC station at Muhimbili National Hospital, whose construction has already been completed. He further stated that these stations are being built by local contractors.


He explained that the projects are at their final stages and are expected to be completed before the end of this year. Among them, the Puma-managed Tegeta station was highlighted as set to become the largest in Dar es Salaam and Africa, with the capacity to produce 6.7 million cubic feet of CNG per day.


Dr. Mataragio also underscored the Government’s commitment to encourage citizens to shift away from diesel and petrol vehicles and instead start importing natural gas-powered cars.


“We believe gas use is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and beneficial to the nation. The Ministry of Energy will lead by example, transitioning to vehicles powered by CNG,” he added.


Furthermore, Dr. Mataragio revealed that the Ministry will organize a workshop bringing together all stakeholders in the CNG business, including financial institutions, private sector investors, and public institutions, to build awareness on CNG and mini-LNG business opportunities.


The inspection tour was also attended by experts from the Ministry of Energy and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).


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