Tanzania is embracing compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source, yet the surge in demand has highlighted a troubling lack of filling stations. Many motorists, especially commercial drivers, have opted for CNG due to its environmental benefits and lower costs. Despite the large reserves of natural gas in the country, the limited availability of filling stations leads to long wait times, frustrating early adopters. The Tanzanian government acknowledges the need to expand infrastructure and is working on initiatives to provide more refueling options, while aiming for a broader acceptance of CNG by mid-century.
Tanzania's CNG Adoption Faces Challenges Amid Filling Station Shortage
Tanzania's CNG Adoption Faces Challenges Amid Filling Station Shortage
Tanzania's growing interest in compressed natural gas (CNG) is hindered by insufficient refueling infrastructure.
The revolution in vehicle fuel is underway in Tanzania, with a growing embrace of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner alternative to conventional petrol and diesel. This shift is primarily driven by the comparative affordability of CNG—now considered a game-changer for the roughly 5,000 motorists in the country, predominantly those in commercial transport.
Motorist Samuel Amos Irube invested approximately 1.5 million Tanzanian shillings ($620; £495) to convert his bajaji, yet struggles daily to refuel due to the scarcity of filling stations. With only four CNG stations in Dar es Salaam, the wait to refuel can stretch to three hours, frustrating those who switched to CNG primarily for cost savings.
Drivers like Medadi Kichungo Ngoma, who pioneered the conversion, notice a stark change from the past when CNG refueling was quick and easy. As demand for CNG rises, motorists voice concerns about the insufficient infrastructure across Dar es Salaam, particularly at the busiest station near the airport, where long lines are now the norm.
Despite the prevailing inconvenience, many drivers like Juma continue to tolerate the lengthy waits, enthused by the cost benefits—filling an 11kg CNG tank for 15,000 shillings ($6; £5), significantly less than the equivalent petrol price. This trend follows over a decade of advocacy for CNG use, which saw a notable uptick beginning in 2018.
Project officials, including Aristides Kato of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), acknowledge the rapid rise in demand took them by surprise. To support this burgeoning interest, the government is keen for more people to transition to CNG to improve environmental footprints and, importantly, leverage Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves.
As the country grapples with the immediate challenge of inadequate filling stations, plans for expansion are underway. Firms such as Taqa Arabia are optimistic about constructing more refueling locations, citing experiences from Egypt, which has successfully converted numerous vehicles over the past few decades.
The Tanzanian government is also progressing plans for a central CNG "mother station" in Dar es Salaam to facilitate gas distribution to smaller stations nationwide. Additional mobile CNG units are expected to alleviate some pressures in Dar es Salaam and the capital, Dodoma.
These initiatives are projected to reduce the long queues and growing frustrations for CNG users in the medium term, fostering more widespread adoption of this cleaner fuel. But for now, Tanzania’s CNG revolution remains hampered by the pressing need for enhanced fueling infrastructure.
Motorist Samuel Amos Irube invested approximately 1.5 million Tanzanian shillings ($620; £495) to convert his bajaji, yet struggles daily to refuel due to the scarcity of filling stations. With only four CNG stations in Dar es Salaam, the wait to refuel can stretch to three hours, frustrating those who switched to CNG primarily for cost savings.
Drivers like Medadi Kichungo Ngoma, who pioneered the conversion, notice a stark change from the past when CNG refueling was quick and easy. As demand for CNG rises, motorists voice concerns about the insufficient infrastructure across Dar es Salaam, particularly at the busiest station near the airport, where long lines are now the norm.
Despite the prevailing inconvenience, many drivers like Juma continue to tolerate the lengthy waits, enthused by the cost benefits—filling an 11kg CNG tank for 15,000 shillings ($6; £5), significantly less than the equivalent petrol price. This trend follows over a decade of advocacy for CNG use, which saw a notable uptick beginning in 2018.
Project officials, including Aristides Kato of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), acknowledge the rapid rise in demand took them by surprise. To support this burgeoning interest, the government is keen for more people to transition to CNG to improve environmental footprints and, importantly, leverage Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves.
As the country grapples with the immediate challenge of inadequate filling stations, plans for expansion are underway. Firms such as Taqa Arabia are optimistic about constructing more refueling locations, citing experiences from Egypt, which has successfully converted numerous vehicles over the past few decades.
The Tanzanian government is also progressing plans for a central CNG "mother station" in Dar es Salaam to facilitate gas distribution to smaller stations nationwide. Additional mobile CNG units are expected to alleviate some pressures in Dar es Salaam and the capital, Dodoma.
These initiatives are projected to reduce the long queues and growing frustrations for CNG users in the medium term, fostering more widespread adoption of this cleaner fuel. But for now, Tanzania’s CNG revolution remains hampered by the pressing need for enhanced fueling infrastructure.
