The government’s strategic investment in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refilling station at Mlimani in Dar es Salaam is delivering tangible relief to transport operators and commuters, Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, has said.
Ms. Salome made the remarks on November 12, 2025, during an inspection of the newly completed facility, which was constructed at a cost of over TZS 12 billion.
The station, operated by GASCO a subsidiary of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has the capacity to serve up to 800 vehicles and bajajis per day.
She said the project reflects the government’s determination under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that the country’s natural resources improve citizens’ welfare.
“Compressed Natural Gas has significantly lowered the cost of living for transport operators. One kilogram costs TZS 1,500, and a 17-kilogram cylinder can cover up to 50 kilometres. This clearly shows that gas is far more economical than liquid fuels,” Salome said.
With Dar es Salaam hosting the largest concentration of commercial vehicles and bajajis, she said the facility will help operators reduce operating expenses while increasing their daily income.
Salome further announced that by June 2026, additional CNG refilling points will be built along all major highways in Dar es Salaam.
Large gas stations are also planned for Morogoro, Dodoma, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga, expanding access to affordable fuel across the country.
She urged the private sector to increase investment in gas infrastructure, noting that demand for affordable energy solutions is rising rapidly.
“The government has strengthened the investment environment through Public–Private Partnerships and the One Stop Centre model, ensuring faster and more efficient services for investors,” she added.
She also emphasized that the gas sector directly supports thousands of young people working as bolt drivers, taxi operators, and bajaji riders, who now spend less on fuel and make more from their daily operations.
TPDC Managing Director, Mussa Makame, said the Mlimani station can supply up to 70,000 kilograms of CNG daily, although current output stands at around 50,000 kilograms.
“Before this government facility was built, motorists were spending up to three hours at private stations. Today, it only takes four minutes to refill. We serve about 800 small vehicles and bajajis daily, plus an additional 15 trucks that transport gas to smaller outlets,” he explained.
Makame added that, in partnership with the private sector, the government plans to establish 15 major CNG stations in Dar es Salaam by 2026, alongside expansion to neighbouring regions.
CNG users praised the government for the improvements, saying the reduced waiting time and lower operating costs have boosted their income and efficiency.
This investment marks another milestone in the government’s broader strategy to expand clean, affordable and reliable energy solutions across Tanzania.