In brief
As Tanzania embraces compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner, cost-effective fuel alternative, the country's limited number of filling stations presents significant challenges for early adopters, impacting their commuting efficiency.
Tanzania is experiencing a slow yet notable shift towards compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative vehicle fuel, akin to movements seen in Nigeria and other African nations. This revolution in fuel utilization is primarily driven by its environmental benefits and significant cost savings, particularly for about 5,000 motorists, especially those operating commercially. However, the lack of essential filling stations is stalling this progress, catching the attention of the government, which envisages widespread CNG adoption by 2050.The country is endowed with vast reserves of natural gas offshore, making CNG even more attractive; it can be priced at less than half that of traditional petrol. For instance, taxi driver Samuel Amos Irube invested approximately 1.5 million Tanzanian shillings ($620, £495) in converting his bajaji, a three-wheeled vehicle, to CNG. Currently, he faces long wait times—up to three hours at a filling station in Dar es Salaam—to refuel twice daily. This is due to the mere four filling stations available in the city's commercial center.The frustration of motorists is palpable. Medadi Kichungo Ngoma, who transitioned to CNG early on, recalls a time when refueling was quick and easy but now finds himself in lengthy queues, a common sight at the busiest CNG stations. Meanwhile, Sadiki Christian Mkumbuka counts the hours spent waiting, echoing the calls for more filling stations to match the burgeoning demand.Despite these stresses, users laud the cost-effectiveness. Filling up an 11 kg gas tank costs approximately 15,000 shillings ($6, £5), covering around 180 km—less than half the petrol price for the same distance. The push for CNG adoption began more than a decade ago, with earnest efforts ramping up around 2018. However, the surge in user interest has surprised infrastructure planners. Aristides Kato, CNG project manager at the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), acknowledges that their foresight did not account for the swift increase in demand, leaving them scrambling to provide adequate servicing stations.Tanzania seeks to promote CNG further due to its cleaner combustion properties, which reduce harmful emissions—a mission supported by the UN. However, barriers such as the costs associated with retrofitting vehicles and the comparatively lower mileage per gas tank present challenges for potential adopters. The rising demand is viewed positively by private sector players, such as Taqa Arabia. Country manager Amr Aboushady expresses intentions to establish more stations, drawing upon proven strategies from Egypt, which boasts a well-installed CNG network. Other African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, have made strides in this area, evidenced by widespread dual-fuel systems.To address these shortcomings, the government has announced plans for improved infrastructure, including the establishment of a central CNG “mother station” in Dar es Salaam that will feed smaller stations nationwide. Additionally, TPDC has secured five mobile CNG units for various cities, including the capital Dodoma and Morogoro, to facilitate better access.While these undertakings may offer relief in the medium term, current infrastructural shortages continue to pose hurdles for Tanzania’s early CNG adopters, limiting the pace of change in this robust fuel transition.
