Dar CNG mother station project on track

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother station project along Sam Nujoma Road in Dar es Salaam is over 90 per cent complete and is set for launch later this month.

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Director of Planning and Investment, Mr Derick Moshi, revealed yesterday during a TPDC Board tour that the 14.5bn/- CNG mother station project is in its final stages and will be officially launched later this month.

“The completion of this facility is a significant milestone in boosting natural gas availability and usage in Tanzania, helping reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the TPDC Managing Director, Mr Moshi confirmed that construction is nearing completion, with final touches being made before operations begin.

“As this is a gas project, safety is our top priority. While construction is finished, we want to ensure the station’s safety before its official opening later this month,” he emphasised.

TPDC Board member Mr Paul Makanza expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, including the conversion centre.

He noted that the CNG mother station project will reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, ultimately lowering foreign currency expenditure on oil imports.

“This project will strengthen our economy by reducing foreign currency outflows and support government efforts to promote clean energy,” Mr Makanza said.

The CNG mother station project, which began in May 2024, will feature four gas dispensers, with the capacity to accommodate eight cars at a time, along with three loading gantries for CNG tube trailers to distribute gas to smaller stations across the country.

These smaller stations, which lack direct access to gas, will receive supplies through CNG tubes.

The refuelling time will range from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the size of each container, with capacities ranging from 10 to 40 feet.

Currently, Dar es Salaam, the country’s business hub, has four fully operational CNG stations, located at Ubungo Maziwa, Temeke, Mandela Road and Ilala near the airport.

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of citizens converting their vehicles from fuel-powered to gas, with over 4,500 CNG powered vehicles primarily concentrated in Dar es Salaam