Stakeholders from the Tanzanian government and private sector have urged increased investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, affordable financing, and public awareness to accelerate the adoption of natural gas-powered vehicles. This push aims to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions and lower transport operating costs. The call was made during a panel discussion organised by Scania Tanzania at the Swedish Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
The stakeholders observed that adopting natural gas as an alternative transport fuel could deliver both environmental and economic benefits. These benefits include reduced vehicle emissions, lower fuel expenditure, and improved business competitiveness. Companies operating CNG-powered vehicles could benefit from reduced operating costs, while lower emissions could help businesses respond to increasingly stringent environmental requirements.
Engineer Shukurani Rugaimukamo from the Ministry of Energy highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the government and private sector to unlock Tanzania’s natural gas potential. He noted that existing and planned pipeline networks, including the proposed connection from Chalinze towards Uganda, presented opportunities for expanding gas accessibility and supporting increased CNG consumption.
Participants identified the limited availability of refuelling facilities as a challenge for transport operators considering shifting from diesel-powered vehicles. They discussed the need to increase the number of CNG filling stations and improve access to financing to encourage transport companies to invest in natural gas-powered vehicles. Limited infrastructure, high initial investment costs, and inadequate public awareness remain among the factors affecting wider adoption of the technology.
Engineer Joyce Kisamo and Civil Engineer Franklin Luvuva contributed to the discussion, highlighting the importance of technical capacity, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring that the economic benefits of CNG adoption reach ordinary citizens. Luvuva stressed that the savings transport operators obtain from using natural gas should also translate into affordable fares for passengers rather than benefiting investors alone.
Benedict Ndunguru, Head of Commercial at Puma Energy, emphasised the importance of financial institutions in supporting the expansion of CNG infrastructure. He said access to capital was essential for businesses seeking to establish filling stations and expand services needed to support natural gas-powered transport. The panel further examined the operational experiences of CNG-powered vehicles, including safety requirements, maintenance, technology standards, and the availability of skilled personnel.
The stakeholders also called for increased public awareness to address concerns about natural gas technology, particularly its safety, operational requirements, maintenance, and long-term economic benefits. They emphasised the need to strengthen technical training institutions so that more technicians and operators acquire the skills required to handle CNG vehicles and their associated infrastructure.
Key points
- The adoption of CNG-powered vehicles can reduce CO₂ emissions and lower transport operating costs.
- Strengthening cooperation between the government and private sector is crucial to unlock Tanzania’s natural gas potential.
- Increasing public awareness and technical training are essential to address concerns and support the adoption of CNG technology.
