TPDC unveils 8.4bn/- mobile CNG stations plan

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has announced plans to invest 8.4bn/- in the deployment of six mobile Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations across three regions, as part of efforts to expand access to clean and affordable energy.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Acting Director of Oil and Gas Business at TPDC, Engineer Emanuel Gilbert, said the initiative aims to serve areas without permanent CNG infrastructure, offering flexible and transportable energy solutions to meet growing demand.

“The mobile CNG stations will be installed in both urban and upcountry areas to ensure widespread access to natural gas. Of the six stations, three will be located in Dar es Salaam, one at Msasani at the TIDO area, another at TPDC Mikocheni and the third at Ilala Bungoni,” said Eng Gilbert.

He added that the remaining three stations will be placed outside the commercial capital, one in Morogoro and two in Dodoma.

“With this development, motorists will soon be able to travel from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma with full access to CNG refuelling services along the corridor,” he noted.

The mobile stations are expected to bridge the infrastructure gap as the government continues to promote the use of natural gas as a clean and cost-effective alternative fuel, in line with national energy transition goals.

Eng Gilbert noted that contracts for the deployment of the mobile CNG stations are in the final stages of signing.

Once formalised, the implementation is expected to take approximately six months from the date of signing. He said that the availability of CNG has improved significantly compared to the situation three months ago and further progress is expected by December when all the planned mobile stations are anticipated to be fully operational.

Commenting on current service levels, Eng Gilbert revealed that the TPDC Mother Station currently serves around 600 cars and up to 700 Bajaj every day.

Currently, Dar es Salaam has six functioning CNG stations, including the main mother station and others operated by companies such as Master Gas at Sam Nujoma Road and Kipawa, Tembo Energy and Rafiki Energy at Tabata Relini and Enric Gas Technology Tanzania Limited at Tazara.

In addition to the mobile stations, Eng Gilbert said that there are several new permanent stations under construction, including Puma Energies that is building a major CNG station at Tegeta IPTL, which will serve as a central distribution hub, supplying gas to their other stations that will be at Mabibo External and Mbezi Tank Bovu and is expected to be operational by the end of November.

“Other developments include a new station by Energo Tanzania Limited along Coca-Cola Road, which is projected to start operating in August and Master Gas’ third station at Mbezi Afrikana which is set for completion by December. Enric Gas Technology Tanzania Limited has also begun construction at Kigamboni Kibada, while NAT Energy is building another station at Tabata,” added Eng Gilbert.

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Further expansion is also underway at Victoria Filling Station along Nyerere Road and at Goba area, BQ Tanzania Limited is constructing a facility. Tanzania State Natural Gas Holding is developing a large-scale station with the capacity to supply gas to both industries and multiple CNG sub-stations.

These investments mark a major step in Tanzania’s transition toward clean energy, ensuring reliable CNG supply to motorists and industries, while boosting national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.