Tanzania’s Fuel Revolution Slows Amid CNG Infrastructure Challenges

The Promise of CNG

Why Tanzania is Embracing CNG
CNG is being hailed as a game-changer for Tanzania’s fuel industry:

Cost Savings: Drivers save up to 60% compared to petrol.
Environmental Benefits: CNG produces fewer emissions than traditional fossil fuels.
Local Availability: Tanzania’s large natural gas reserves enable lower fuel prices.

Early Adopters Lead the Way
Approximately 5,000 vehicles in Tanzania have been converted to CNG, with commercial drivers leading the charge. Taxi and bajaji (three-wheeled vehicle) operators, such as Samuel Amos Irube, are investing in conversions despite the current infrastructure challenges.

Long Queues and Frustrated Drivers

A Lack of Filling Stations
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial hub, has just four CNG stations, leading to long queues and delays for drivers.

Voices from the Queue:

Samuel Amos Irube: “I often spend more time waiting at a station than earning money, but the savings are worth it.”
Medadi Kichungo Ngoma: Remembers a time when queues were short and stations underused but now faces hours-long waits.
Sadiki Christian Mkumbuka: Calls for as many CNG stations as there are for petrol to meet rising demand.

Challenges in the Transition

Why Expansion is Slow
The push for CNG adoption began over a decade ago but only gained momentum in 2018. Officials admit they underestimated the pace of demand.

Key Barriers:

Limited Infrastructure: Few stations to support growing CNG vehicle numbers.
Cost of Conversion: Vehicle modifications cost about $620, deterring some potential adopters.
Range Concerns: A full CNG tank offers lower mileage than petrol or diesel.

The Way Forward

Plans to Expand CNG Infrastructure
Authorities and private investors are stepping in to address the infrastructure gap:

Mother Station: A central CNG station is under construction in Dar es Salaam to supply smaller stations nationwide.
Mobile Units: The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) plans to deploy five mobile CNG units in major cities like Dodoma and Morogoro.
Private Investment: Companies like Taqa Arabia are building more stations to replicate their success in Egypt, where half a million vehicles now run on CNG.

Learning from Other Countries
Tanzania is looking to countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya, where CNG adoption has been more widespread and successful.

The Road Ahead

A Cleaner Future with CNG
Despite current frustrations, Tanzania’s commitment to CNG suggests a brighter future for drivers and the environment:

Medium-Term Solutions: Expanding stations and introducing mobile units should reduce queues.
Government Goals: Near-total adoption of CNG by mid-century aligns with global trends toward cleaner energy.

Balancing Growth and Demand
For Tanzania to fully realize its CNG potential, the government and private sector must collaborate to scale infrastructure and make conversions more accessible.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s CNG Revolution Faces Growing Pains
Tanzania’s shift to CNG offers significant environmental and financial benefits but faces hurdles due to limited infrastructure. As more investments flow into expanding CNG access, the frustrations of today’s early adopters may soon give way to a more sustainable and efficient fuel system.