Dodoma — This year’s Nane Nane
exhibitions, where innovation and agriculture intersect, the Director General
of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), Engineer Charles
Sangweni August 7, 2025, made a notable stop at the Tanzania Petroleum
Development Corporation (TPDC) pavilion.
It wasn’t just a courtesy
visit—it was a deep dive into how natural gas is quietly reshaping the
country’s development narrative. From cutting-edge gas management technology to
practical applications in everyday life, Engineer Sangweni witnessed firsthand
the significant strides TPDC has made in making natural gas an accessible and
transformative resource for Tanzanians.
"Natural gas is no longer a
distant industrial concept," Sangweni remarked, reflecting on his
experience at the exhibition. "It’s something that touches agriculture,
transport, domestic life—it’s part of our economic pulse now."
He pointed to agriculture, where
methane (CH₄), the main component of natural gas, is used to manufacture
fertilizers such as Ammonium Sulphate and Ammonium Phosphate. “These
fertilizers aren't just chemicals—they are tools of empowerment for our
farmers. They increase productivity, and that directly feeds into our economic
resilience,” he said, adding a personal note on the importance of food security
and rural livelihoods.
But the benefits don’t stop at
the farm gate. Sangweni explained how the use of compressed natural gas (CNG)
in vehicles offers more than just environmental advantages. “It’s mechanical
efficiency,” he stressed. “With gas, engines run cleaner. Spark plugs stay
cleaner. Filters last longer. Fuel pumps don’t wear out as quickly. And that
translates to real savings for the average Tanzanian.”
He offered a striking comparison:
a vehicle running on gas can travel over 40 kilometers on the same fuel cost
that would cover just 10 kilometers on petrol. For a bajaj, that difference is
even more dramatic—60 kilometers on gas versus 30 on petrol. “That’s not just
technical data. That’s money in people’s pockets,” he said, pointing to the
potential for economic breathing room among lower-income earners.
Sangweni also commended TPDC’s
growing infrastructure footprint. From the natural gas distribution network
under construction in Dodoma to mobile refilling stations already operational
in the city, he said the reach of this energy source is becoming increasingly
democratic.
"This is what development
should look like. Practical. Inclusive. Forward-looking," he said,
emphasizing how energy solutions must reflect the daily realities and needs of
Tanzanians.
He didn’t miss the opportunity to
urge more citizens to adopt gas in both cooking and transport, citing not just
cost benefits but environmental sustainability. “Every household that shifts to
gas is a household that contributes to cleaner air, reduced deforestation, and
a healthier environment overall,” he noted.
Before concluding, Engineer
Sangweni took a moment to express his gratitude to the broader leadership
ecosystem that has supported the energy transition. He extended appreciation to
the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, the TPDC Board, and the government
for what he described as “strong and visionary oversight.”
“Progress like this doesn’t
happen in a vacuum,” he said. “It’s a product of commitment at every level—from
the ministry to the technocrats on the ground. And it gives me genuine hope for
where we’re headed as a nation.”