Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the Ministry of Energy to accelerate the expansion of Tanzania’s natural gas distribution network to meet growing national demand.
Addressing guests at the launch of Puma Energies’ Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station at Salasala, Dar es Salaam, Dr. Mwigulu said the move would make energy more affordable for households and businesses, while reducing the government’s reliance on costly imported fuel.
The project, which cost about TZS 13 billion, reflects Tanzania’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy development.
“The Ministry of Energy must continue to fast-track natural gas exploration, making it a common, everyday energy source for all Tanzanians. I urge citizens to take full advantage of the locally processed natural gas now available,” Dr. Mwigulu said.
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He noted that the launch aligns with the National Energy Policy and Tanzania’s 2050 Development Vision.
“It also reflects the Sixth Phase Government’s priority under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to harness energy resources, particularly natural gas, as a catalyst for industrial growth, transport, and electricity generation.”he added
The Prime Minister added that the initiative is a key step in the national strategy to shift towards clean, safe, affordable, and reliable energy for economic and social development.
“Through initiatives like this, Puma Energies is supporting President Samia’s vision of a clean energy-driven Tanzania,” he said.
Dr. Mwigulu also stressed the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate, ensuring stable policies, investor-friendly regulations, transparency, and strong collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
He highlighted that within the first 100 days of President Samia’s tenure, the government facilitated access to 13,575 subsidized improved cookstoves at an 85% subsidy and 28,653 six-kilogram LPG cylinders at a 50% subsidy.
Moreover, 1,136 institutions, including 89 serving over 100 people daily, have transitioned to clean cooking energy.
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Deputy Minister of Energy, Salome Makamba, noted that CNG use in transportation is growing rapidly, with over 15,000 vehicles currently using it nationwide.
As of January 2026, Tanzania had 11 CNG refilling stations – nine in Dar es Salaam, one in Pwani Region, and one in Mtwara.
“The government, in partnership with the private sector, plans to expand this to 20 stations by June 2026, especially along the Morogoro and Dodoma corridors, ensuring wider access to CNG in major cities and key transport routes,” she said.