New chapter as 3 natural gas wells set for drilling in Mtwara

MTWARA: Three natural gas wells are expected to be drilled in the Mnazi Bay Block located in Mtwara Region, marking ten (10) years since the last well was drilled in that block.

The drilling of the said wells, scheduled to begin in November 2025, aims to increase natural gas production from the Mnazi Bay Block by more than 30 million cubic feet per day.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop for contractors who will run the projects, organised in Dar es Salaam, Thursday, the representative of the Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), Mr Charles Nyangi, said the upcoming historic development in the Mnazi Bay Block is a result of the Government’s efforts to advance the oil and natural gas sub-sector.

“As mentioned, the last well in the Mnazi Bay Block was drilled in 2015. Ten years later, a new chapter is about to be written with the drilling of new wells. Indeed, the Sixth Phase Government under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has effectively implemented its commitment to ensure the continued growth and strengthening of the oil and gas sub-sector,” said Nyangi who serves as the regulator’s Head of the Local Content and Stakeholders Engagement Unit.

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He added that alongside the milestone of new well drilling, in 2024 the Government made a historic move by enabling the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to increase its stake in the Mnazi Bay Block from 20 percent to 40 percent — a step that enhanced TPDC’s decision-making power and participation in the block.

Commenting on Tanzanian participation in the project, Nyangi stated that PURA has continued and will continue to ensure that Tanzanians and local service providers fully participate in this project.

“One of PURA’s responsibilities is to ensure that Tanzanians fully engage in oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production projects implemented in the country. PURA has been closely monitoring every step of this project’s implementation to ensure Tanzanians have the opportunity to participate,” said Nyangi.

Currently, the Mnazi Bay Block has a total of five (5) wells producing natural gas at an average rate of 90 to 100 million cubic feet per day.

The expected increase in natural gas production will enable greater availability of gas for various uses, including electricity generation, industrial applications, household use, and fueling vehicles.