DAR ES SALAAM: Preparations for the auctioning of petroleum exploration blocks in the Tanzania Mainland are currently underway, with India showing interest in the process.
The India’s High Commission recently met with the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) to gather more information about the upcoming exercise, which is expected to take place later this year.
The meeting, held at the PURA Offices in Dar es Salaam, included Mr Narender Kumar, Second Secretary to the India’s High Commissioner (Commerce), and Engineer Dunstan Asanga, the acting Director General of PURA.
Mr Kumar explained that upon learning of the Government’s plan to auction oil and gas blocks through the Budget Speech of the Ministry of Energy for the year 2024/25, the Indian Embassy deemed it necessary to meet with the relevant authority to thoroughly understand the matter and provide comprehensive information to companies and stakeholders in India.
Also read: Oil, gas blocks auctioning period unveiled as Tanzania’s 5th licensing round in offing
Eng. Asanga provided details about the fifth licensing round, stating that PURA has continued preparations for the event on behalf of the government, including completing activities such as the preparation of the Model Production Sharing Agreement and the demarcation of blocks to be auctioned.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Government plans to launch the fifth licensing round this year, shortly after completing preliminary preparations, including the review of the Petroleum Act of 2015.
In addition to discussing the fifth licensing round, the High Commission of India in Tanzania and PURA explored the possibility of establishing cooperation between oil and gas exploration and production regulatory authorities in Tanzania and India, as well as collaborating on capacity-building programs for personnel in the field of oil and natural gas through funding from the Government of India.
