In brief
The revolution toward vehicle fuel alternatives is gaining traction in Tanzania as compressed natural gas (CNG) is recognized as a cleaner and often cheaper substitute for petrol and diesel. While around 5,000 drivers have made the switch, they face hurdles due to a limited number of filling stations, primarily in Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government aims for near-total CNG adoption by 2050, capitalizing on the country’s significant underwater gas reserves. The transition, ignited in 2018, is gradually expanding despite the inadequacies in filling infrastructure responding to the increased demand.
One such early adopter is Samuel Amos Irube, who converted his three-wheeled bajaji but now spends long hours waiting at one of only four CNG stations in Dar es Salaam. "I have to wait for at least three hours every time I want to refuel," he shares, pointing out that despite the hassle, CNG remains economically viable—allowing him to spend only 40% of what he would on petrol for the same distance. Similar experiences are echoed by motorists like Medadi Kichungo Ngoma, who fondly remembers shorter queues before the surge in CNG popularity.The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) recognizes the unanticipated rapid rise in CNG adoption, with project manager Aristides Kato acknowledging that existing infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. Even so, he sees a silver lining in the growing demand for CNG, noting it is a cleaner burning option that could significantly reduce air pollution. Future plans include building more filling stations and a central CNG "mother station" to improve distribution across the country.Although the government is committed to expanding infrastructure, many current users of CNG remain frustrated by the long queues they must endure, illustrating the challenges that accompany the push toward more sustainable fuel options. As Tanzania navigates this transition, it will require significant investment and expansion of infrastructure to ensure that the CNG revolution can shift into high gear, allowing drivers to benefit fully from this cleaner fuel alternative.
