Tanzania orders Ntorya Natural Gas Project to ensure gas production begins by Dec 2026
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy responsible for Oil and Natural Gas, Dr James Mataragio, has directed stakeholders implementing the Ntorya Natural Gas Development Project in the Ruvuma Block to accelerate implementation to ensure gas production begins by December 2026.
Dr Mataragio issued the directive on August 26, 2026, during a meeting with stakeholders and project implementers held at the Ministry of Energy offices in Dar es Salaam.
The meeting brought together representatives from ARA Petroleum Tanzania (APT), Ndovu Resources, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), and the Ministry of Energy.
The Ntorya project is being developed by ARA Petroleum Tanzania in partnership with Ndovu Resources and TPDC. ARA Petroleum Tanzania currently holds a 75 percent interest in the project, while Ndovu Resources holds 25 percent. Meanwhile, TPDC is in discussions with the partners to acquire a 15 percent stake in the project.
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Speaking during the meeting, Dr Mataragio emphasized the importance of completing all the necessary project implementation activities on schedule. He said commencing gas production from Ntorya would help increase the availability of natural gas in Tanzania.
He further noted that increased access to natural gas is important for supporting and stimulating various economic activities that depend on the energy resource. He therefore stressed the need for the project to be implemented at an accelerated pace and within the agreed timeframe.
For his part, ARA Petroleum Chief Executive Officer, Dr Salman Al Shidi, pledged that the company would continue to carry out its responsibilities with speed and complete all necessary activities to achieve the target of commencing natural gas production from Ntorya by December 2026.
