Downstream Natural Gas Suppliers Association of Tanzania

Powering Tanzania with Natural Gas.

Tanzania holds 57 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves — the sixth largest in Africa. DNGSAT is the trade association uniting CNG stations, conversion centers, pipeline distributors, gas engineers, and vehicle sellers to scale downstream gas adoption across every sector of the economy.

Become a Member Learn About DNGSAT
57.54 TCF proven reserves
15,000+ CNG vehicles on road
60%+ Grid power from gas
542km Main gas pipeline

Tanzania's Voice for Downstream Natural Gas

DNGSAT is a voluntary, non-profit membership association registered under Tanzania's Societies Act (Cap. 337). We represent every part of the downstream natural gas value chain — from CNG refueling stations and vehicle conversion centers to pipeline distributors, gas engineers, and household energy providers.

Tanzania sits on proven natural gas reserves of over 57 trillion cubic feet — ranking sixth in Africa. Yet downstream utilization remains in its early stages, with only a fraction of this resource reaching Tanzanian homes, vehicles, and industries. DNGSAT exists to change that.

Our mission is to promote safe, affordable, and sustainable downstream utilization of natural gas through advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration with government, regulators like EWURA, and private sector actors — ensuring that Tanzania's gas resources translate into real benefits for its people.

Safety & Responsibility
Integrity & Transparency
Sustainability
Professionalism
Innovation
Affordability
Collaboration
Public Interest
DNGSAT TANZANIA CNG Stations Domestic Supply Vehicle Sellers Pipeline Distrib. Conversion Centers Gas Engineers

The Story of Natural Gas in Tanzania — and Why DNGSAT Was Born

Tanzania's journey with natural gas began over seven decades ago when oil and gas exploration started in 1952, with initial efforts focused on onshore areas. The first major breakthrough came in 1974, when natural gas was discovered at Songo Songo Island in the Lindi Region under a partnership between AGIP and the American Oil Company. A second significant discovery followed at Mnazi Bay in the Mtwara Region in 1982.

For years, these discoveries sat largely untapped. It wasn't until 2004 that natural gas from Songo Songo was first commercialized, with Mnazi Bay following in 2006. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), established in 1969, has been at the center of these developments throughout.

The real transformation began in 2010–2015, when deepwater exploration off the coast of Lindi and Mtwara yielded massive new finds — approximately 47 trillion cubic feet of offshore gas. By 2016, Tanzania's total proven reserves stood at 57.54 trillion cubic feet, making the country the sixth-largest gas reserve holder in Africa.

The completion of the 542-km Mtwara–Dar es Salaam gas pipeline in 2015, built at a cost of US$1.2 billion and financed by the Exim Bank of China with World Bank and African Development Bank grants, was a turning point. For the first time, southern Tanzania's gas reserves were connected to the commercial capital, unlocking power generation, industrial use, and eventually CNG for transport.

Today, natural gas powers over 60% of Tanzania's electricity grid through gas-fired plants like Kinyerezi I (150 MW), Kinyerezi II (240 MW), and the Ubungo power stations. Industrial usage has expanded by more than 25% over the past five years, driven by cement factories, fertilizer plants, and manufacturing along the southern corridor. And in transport, a revolution is underway — with over 15,000 vehicles already converted to CNG and nine refueling stations operational as of 2025.

But for all this progress, the downstream sector — the part of the value chain that actually brings gas to households, vehicles, and businesses — has grown largely without an organized voice. Individual CNG station operators, conversion center technicians, pipeline distributors, and gas engineers have navigated licensing, safety compliance, and market development without a unified platform to advocate their interests or coordinate industry standards.

This is why DNGSAT was founded in 2026. The Downstream Natural Gas Suppliers Association of Tanzania was created to unite the operators, engineers, entrepreneurs, and institutions that make up the last mile of Tanzania's gas value chain — the people who convert the vehicles, build the stations, lay the distribution pipes, and connect the homes.

The government's ambition is clear: Tanzania aims to achieve 100% electricity access in all villages by 2028, 80% access to clean cooking solutions for its population, and is pursuing a $42 billion LNG export project at Likong'o in Lindi that would produce 10 million tonnes of LNG annually. Meanwhile, TPDC has licensed over 60 private companies to build new CNG stations, and the government's Natural Gas Utilisation Master Plan (2016–2045) maps phased pipeline expansion from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, Arusha, and Njombe.

DNGSAT's role is to ensure that the people and businesses actually building this infrastructure — our members — have a seat at the table as these plans unfold. We lobby for fair regulation, advocate for EWURA licensing processes that work for operators, push for safety standards that protect the public, and build the professional capacity of the sector through training and knowledge sharing.

The downstream sector is where Tanzania's gas wealth meets its daily economy. DNGSAT is here to make sure that connection is safe, affordable, and reaches every corner of this country.

1952

Oil and gas exploration begins in Tanzania, initially focused on onshore areas.

1969

Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) established as the national oil company under the Public Corporations Act.

1974

First natural gas discovery at Songo Songo Island, Lindi Region, by AGIP and the American Oil Company (AMOCO).

1982

Second major discovery at Mnazi Bay, Mtwara Region — offshore gas field operated today by Maurel & Prom, TPDC, and Wentworth Resources.

2004

Songo Songo gas commercialized. Songas consortium begins operations, and the Ubungo power plant in Dar es Salaam is converted from heavy fuel to natural gas. Mnazi Bay follows in 2006.

2010–12

Massive deepwater discoveries off Lindi and Mtwara coast. Shell, Equinor (then Statoil), and ExxonMobil find approximately 47 trillion cubic feet of offshore gas. Tanzania rises to 6th in Africa for gas reserves.

2013

Tanzania's Natural Gas Policy framework adopted. Construction begins on the $1.2 billion, 542-km Mtwara–Dar es Salaam gas pipeline.

2015

Pipeline commissioned. Madimba Processing Centre receives first gas delivery. Southern Tanzania's reserves now flow to Dar es Salaam for power, industry, and transport.

2016

Total proven reserves confirmed at 57.54 TCF. Kinyerezi I & II gas-fired power plants (390 MW combined) operational in Dar es Salaam. The Natural Gas Utilisation Master Plan (2016–2045) is published.

2023

Tanzania's first integrated CNG station — TAQA Dalbit's "Master Gas" at Pugu Road — opens in Dar es Salaam, capable of serving 800 vehicles daily with an attached conversion center.

2025

Africa's second-largest CNG mother station opens near the University of Dar es Salaam — TSh 18.9 billion investment, serving 1,200 vehicles/day. Nine CNG stations now operational. Over 15,000 CNG vehicles on the road. TPDC licenses 60+ companies for new stations.

2026

DNGSAT founded. The downstream sector organizes for the first time. The $42 billion Tanzania LNG project approaches a final Host Government Agreement with Shell and Equinor. The Ntorya gas field prepares for first gas production.

Developing the Sector, Developing the Country

Our constitutional objectives reflect a clear ambition: to ensure that Tanzania's vast gas reserves translate into affordable energy, economic opportunity, and national development — not just export revenue.

"To lead the transformation of downstream natural gas into an accessible, affordable, and sustainable energy solution for all sectors of Tanzania."

— DNGSAT Vision Statement

Tanzania's Natural Gas Utilisation Master Plan (2016–2045) earmarks 3.6 trillion cubic feet for industrial use alone. The government targets 100% village electricity access by 2028 and 80% clean cooking access by 2034. DNGSAT is the organized force that makes these targets achievable on the ground.

1

Scale affordable energy access. Promote downstream natural gas as the most cost-effective, locally produced energy source in Tanzania. With CNG already 45–50% cheaper than petrol, our goal is to extend this benefit from Dar es Salaam to every region through infrastructure expansion and fair pricing advocacy.

2

Grow transport, industrial, and domestic use. Support the conversion of Tanzania's transport fleet to CNG — from bajaji operators to BRT buses — while connecting more industries and households to the gas grid. Currently only four regions are reached by pipeline; DNGSAT advocates for the Master Plan's phased expansion to Mwanza, Arusha, Njombe, and beyond.

3

Advocate for smart regulation. Work with EWURA, the Ministry of Energy, and TPDC to create licensing, safety, and pricing frameworks that protect consumers while enabling operators to build viable businesses. Simplify the path from application to operational CNG station.

4

Give the sector a unified voice. Represent the collective interests of CNG station operators, conversion centers, pipeline distributors, gas engineers, and vehicle sellers before government, regulators, and international partners — ensuring downstream operators shape policy, not just comply with it.

5

Protect lives through safety standards. Promote EWURA certification compliance, public safety awareness, and best practices for gas handling, vehicle conversion, and infrastructure operation. Every CNG vehicle, station, and pipeline in Tanzania should meet the highest safety standards.

6

Build professional capacity. Facilitate training, certification, research, and technical knowledge sharing so that Tanzanian engineers and technicians can lead the sector's growth without dependency on foreign expertise. Grow the local talent pool from operators to specialists.

7

Reduce import dependency. Every vehicle running on domestically produced CNG is one less consumer of imported petroleum. DNGSAT's work directly supports Tanzania's trade balance, energy security, and economic sovereignty — keeping billions of shillings inside the national economy.

Five Downstream Sectors

DNGSAT coordinates and advances natural gas utilization across Tanzania's entire downstream landscape — from refueling vehicles to powering heavy industry.

Road Transport

CNG refueling stations, vehicle conversion centers, inspection & certification services, and transport infrastructure supporting natural gas in Tanzania's road network.

Industrial Applications

Natural gas for manufacturing processes, industrial energy supply, cogeneration systems, and large-scale commercial operations across Tanzania's growing industrial base.

Domestic Applications

Natural gas for household cooking, heating, and domestic energy needs — promoting affordable, clean energy access across Tanzanian homes and residential estates.

Heavy-Duty Applications

Natural gas powering heavy machinery, mining equipment, marine applications, rail, and high-capacity transport systems — driving Tanzania's infrastructure forward.

Gas Engineering & Safety

Certified EWURA engineers, technicians, and consultants ensuring safe installation, operation, and compliance across all downstream natural gas infrastructure.

Emerging Applications

New downstream technologies and applications approved by the General Assembly, supporting Tanzania's evolving natural gas landscape and innovation ecosystem.

Membership

Every member enjoys the same core benefits — then choose the category that fits your organization.

What every member receives

EWURA & regulatory updates
Industry & regulatory information
Training & professional development
Networking opportunities
Policy & industry advocacy
Technical & safety resources
Events, workshops & seminars

Membership categories

Individual

Individual Professional

Entrance fee: TZS 200,000
TZS 240,000 / year

EWURA-certified engineers, technicians, consultants & entrepreneurs.

Apply Now
Small Business

Small Corporate Business

Entrance fee: TZS 500,000
TZS 500,000 / year

Registered firms with annual turnover under TZS 500M.

Apply Now
Institution

Institutional Member

Entrance fee: TZS 1,000,000
TZS 3,000,000 / year

Turnover above TZS 2B with more than two CNG stations.

Apply Now

Honorary Membership may be conferred upon individuals or organizations that have made distinguished contributions to Tanzania's downstream natural gas sector. Honorary members are admitted by resolution of the General Assembly.

CH₄ CH₄ · Natural Gas

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon — mostly methane (CH₄) — found deep underground, often alongside oil. It is one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels: used to generate electricity, power industry, cook in homes, and — compressed as CNG — fuel vehicles.

Tanzania sits on 57.54 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, onshore and offshore — a domestic resource that can power the country for generations.

Colourless & odourless — an odorant is added so leaks can be smelt Lighter than air, so it rises and disperses if it escapes Burns cleaner than coal, petrol or diesel

Benefits of Natural Gas for Tanzania

Tanzania's 57.54 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves represent more than export potential — they are a domestic resource that can transform transport, power industry, and provide clean cooking energy to millions of families. Unlike imported petroleum, every shilling spent on natural gas stays in the Tanzanian economy.

DNGSAT works to accelerate adoption across three critical sectors where natural gas delivers the greatest impact for Tanzania's people and economy.

0.00
TCF proven reserves
0
Grid power from gas
0
Main gas pipeline
0
In Africa for reserves

CNG in Transport: Cutting Costs, Cutting Emissions, Keeping Shillings in Tanzania

Compressed Natural Gas is transforming how Tanzanians move. From three-wheeled bajajis to Dar es Salaam's Bus Rapid Transit fleet, CNG is proving itself as a cheaper, cleaner, and domestically produced alternative to imported petrol and diesel.

One kilogram of CNG covers the same distance as 1.5 litres of petrol — while costing approximately half the price. For bajaji and taxi drivers who spend TZS 20,000–25,000 on fuel daily, switching to CNG means keeping an extra TZS 300,000–400,000 per month. The economics are so compelling that many drivers recover their conversion costs within 2 to 7 months.

Research from the University of Dar es Salaam confirms the numbers: gasoline-to-CNG converted vehicles achieve fuel cost savings of up to 79%, running at 50–200 TZS/km compared to 500+ TZS/km on petrol. For heavy-duty trucks on a 30:70 diesel-CNG dual fuel blend, a single roundtrip of 1,300 km on 180 kg of CNG saves approximately 440 litres of diesel — a 78% reduction per trip.

15,000+
Vehicles converted to CNG
45–50%
Fuel cost savings vs petrol
1,900+
Vehicles refueling daily
25%
Less CO₂ than petrol

Driver economics that add up

Zawadi Kayaula, a 47-year-old bajaji driver in Dar es Salaam, saw his daily fuel costs drop from TZS 25,000 to just TZS 10,000 after converting to CNG. Before the switch, he worked from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and struggled to make ends meet. Thousands of drivers across the city — taxis, Uber and Bolt operators, bajaji owners — are following the same path, finding that conversion pays for itself within months.

Cleaner air for Dar es Salaam

CNG vehicles emit approximately 25% less CO₂ than petrol equivalents, with significantly fewer particulate emissions, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur compounds. In Dar es Salaam — one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, with traffic congestion and air quality becoming serious public health concerns — every CNG conversion directly improves the air that millions of residents breathe every day.

Rapid infrastructure growth

CNG stations have expanded from just 2 in 2020 to 9 in 2025, with at least 7 more expected by 2026. East Africa's largest CNG mother station — a TSh 18.9 billion TPDC facility near the University of Dar es Salaam — now serves 1,200 vehicles per day. TAQA Dalbit's "Master Gas" station at Pugu Road serves 800 vehicles daily with an attached conversion center. TPDC has licensed over 60 companies to build new stations across Tanzania.

Every vehicle type — bajajis to buses

CNG conversion works across all vehicle types: passenger cars, bajajis, SUVs, taxis, motorcycles, buses, and heavy-duty trucks. Dar es Salaam's BRT system has already unveiled CNG-powered prototype buses — with 100 planned for the rapid transit network. Conversion centers can handle the full range, and instalment payment plans are making the switch accessible even for low-income earners.

Energy sovereignty — keep foreign exchange at home

Tanzania imports all of its petrol and diesel, sending billions of shillings abroad every year. Every CNG vehicle on the road replaces imported fuel with domestically produced energy from Tanzania's own 57.54 TCF reserves. This directly strengthens the trade balance, reduces vulnerability to global oil price shocks, and keeps wealth circulating inside the national economy.

Government commitment to 2050 target

The Tanzanian government aims for the majority of vehicles to be CNG-powered by 2050. Tax incentives for clean energy investors, simplified licensing for station operators, and strategic TPDC infrastructure investment are all creating a policy environment that supports rapid growth. Deputy PM Dr. Biteko has directed investment in CNG and Mini-LNG technologies to reach citizens beyond the Dar es Salaam corridor.

"There have been numerous complaints about long queues at CNG stations. Now the government has delivered on its promise to reduce that burden."

— Judith Kapinga, Deputy Minister for Energy, at the CNG mother station launch (May 2025)

Gas for Factories: Powering Tanzania's Industrial Revolution

Natural gas is the backbone of Tanzania's industrial energy supply. Since the completion of the 542-km Mtwara–Dar es Salaam pipeline in 2015, factories, processing plants, and power stations across the southern corridor have gained access to a reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy source that is transforming the economics of Tanzanian manufacturing.

Fifty-six industries are now connected to the natural gas grid, and industrial usage has expanded by more than 25% over the past five years. Gas-fired power plants at Kinyerezi I (150 MW), Kinyerezi II (240 MW), Ubungo (221 MW combined), Somanga (7.5 MW), and Mtwara (18 MW) collectively supply over 60% of Tanzania's national electricity grid — replacing expensive imported heavy fuel oil and reducing the energy sector's carbon footprint.

The Natural Gas Utilisation Master Plan (2016–2045) earmarks 3.6 trillion cubic feet of gas for industrial use alone, with phased pipeline expansion planned from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, Arusha, and Njombe — unlocking industrial corridors that currently depend on diesel generators and imported fuels.

56
Industries connected to gas grid
25%+
Industrial use growth (5 yrs)
3.6 TCF
Earmarked for industry by 2045
625 MW
Gas-fired power capacity

Dramatically lower production costs

Factories switching from diesel generators and heavy fuel oil to piped natural gas see immediate reductions in energy costs. For cement plants, steel processors, and food manufacturers operating 24/7, this translates into significant competitive advantage — lower per-unit production costs that can be passed on to Tanzanian consumers or improve export competitiveness in East African markets.

Reliable energy, reliable output

Unlike diesel, which must be imported and transported to remote factory sites, piped natural gas provides a continuous, reliable fuel supply. This eliminates the production downtime caused by fuel delivery delays, reduces the capital tied up in fuel storage infrastructure, and allows factories to plan production schedules with confidence. The Madimba Processing Centre and GASCO distribution network ensure supply stability.

Meeting environmental standards

As Tanzania strengthens environmental regulation and seeks international markets for its manufactured goods, natural gas offers factories a cleaner energy profile with lower CO₂, no particulate matter, and reduced sulfur emissions. This positions Tanzanian manufacturers to meet growing international buyer requirements around supply chain sustainability and carbon footprint reporting.

$1.2 billion fertilizer mega-project

A planned fertilizer plant — one of the largest industrial gas projects in East Africa — is expected to be commissioned by 2028 and will consume 70 million cubic feet of gas per day. This single facility will create thousands of jobs, reduce Tanzania's dependence on imported fertilizer, and strengthen food security across the region. It represents the scale of industrial transformation natural gas enables.

Power generation backbone

Gas-fired power plants now produce over 60% of Tanzania's grid electricity. The Kinyerezi complex alone delivers 390 MW from natural gas, while the Ubungo plants add another 221 MW. This shift from heavy fuel oil and diesel generation has reduced electricity costs, improved grid reliability, and cut the energy sector's emissions — providing the stable, affordable power that industrial growth depends on.

Pipeline expansion to new industrial zones

Currently only four regions are reached by the gas pipeline network. The Master Plan outlines phased expansion: Phase 1 extends from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Arusha, opening up northern and lake-zone industrial corridors. TPDC's 25-Year Strategic Plan directs investment in Mini-LNG and CNG technologies to serve industries in areas beyond the main pipeline — ensuring no region is left behind in Tanzania's gas-powered industrial growth.

"The oil and gas sub-sector plays a significant role in the development of our nation. We must increase investment in pipeline infrastructure and gas distribution systems to reach more citizens."

— Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Energy

Clean Cooking: Replacing Charcoal and Kerosene with Natural Gas

Over 80% of Tanzanian households still depend on charcoal, firewood, or kerosene for cooking — fuels that cause devastating indoor air pollution, drive deforestation, and trap families in energy poverty. The World Health Organization estimates that household air pollution from solid fuels contributes to millions of premature deaths across sub-Saharan Africa each year, with women and children bearing the greatest burden.

Natural gas offers a transformative alternative. Piped gas and CNG canisters provide a clean, efficient, and increasingly affordable cooking fuel that eliminates indoor smoke, reduces cooking time, and frees families — particularly women — from the daily burden of collecting firewood or purchasing charcoal. The Tanzanian government has set a target of 80% clean cooking access by 2034, with natural gas at the center of that strategy.

A $65 million government project is already underway to connect 30,000 households to natural gas in Dar es Salaam and along the pipeline corridor. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on the Ministry of Energy to develop pay-as-you-go gas metering — similar to electricity prepaid systems — so that families can access gas cooking without large upfront costs.

80%
Clean cooking target by 2034
$65M
Household connection project
30,000
Homes targeted for connection
80%+
Households still on charcoal

Saving lives — eliminating indoor smoke

Charcoal and firewood stoves fill homes with fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and toxic gases. Women and children — who spend the most time near cooking fires — suffer disproportionately from respiratory infections, chronic lung disease, and eye damage. Natural gas burns cleanly, producing no indoor smoke, no soot, and no particulate emissions. Switching to gas cooking is a direct public health intervention that saves lives.

Time liberation — especially for women

In rural and peri-urban Tanzania, women and girls can spend hours each day collecting firewood or traveling to purchase charcoal. Gas cooking eliminates this burden entirely — the fuel arrives through a pipe or a canister. Meals cook faster and more efficiently on gas stoves. This freed time can be redirected toward education, employment, childcare, and entrepreneurship — accelerating women's economic participation across the country.

Affordable with pay-as-you-go metering

President Samia has directed the Ministry of Energy to develop prepaid gas metering systems — letting families pay for cooking gas the same way they pay for electricity. This removes the barrier of large upfront cylinder deposits or monthly bills, making natural gas cooking accessible to lower-income households. DNGSAT advocates for these innovations as essential to reaching the 80% clean cooking target by 2034.

Protecting Tanzania's forests

Tanzania loses hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest annually, with charcoal production being a major driver. Each household that switches from charcoal to natural gas directly reduces demand for tree-felling. At national scale, widespread gas cooking adoption could dramatically slow deforestation, protect watersheds, preserve biodiversity, and support Tanzania's commitments under international climate agreements.

Piped gas and CNG canisters — two delivery paths

Households near the pipeline corridor can receive gas through piped distribution networks — connected directly to their kitchen appliances with a meter. Families in areas beyond the pipeline reach can use CNG canisters — refillable cylinders that are lighter and cheaper than traditional LPG bottles. Both models are being piloted and scaled in Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Lindi, and Kilwa, with expansion planned to additional regions under the Master Plan.

Lower cost than charcoal and kerosene

Natural gas is not only cleaner but genuinely cheaper for families. The cost per meal cooked on gas is lower than the equivalent on charcoal once connection and appliance costs are amortized — and dramatically cheaper than kerosene. As distribution infrastructure expands and economies of scale take effect, the price advantage of gas cooking will only widen, making it the rational economic choice for Tanzanian households at every income level.

"The Ministry of Energy should find innovative Tanzanians to implement a system where cooking gas users can pay as they use — just as we do with electricity."

— President Samia Suluhu Hassan, on making gas cooking accessible to all
CNG CLEAN FUEL C H H H H CH₄ · Compressed Natural Gas

What is CNG?

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas — mostly methane (CH₄) — squeezed under high pressure into a compact, high-energy fuel. It powers vehicles, homes, and industry as a cleaner, lower-cost alternative to petrol and diesel.

Because Tanzania holds large domestic natural gas reserves, CNG offers a locally produced energy source that cuts reliance on imported fuels and lowers running costs for drivers and businesses.

Burns cleaner — far fewer particulates and lower CO₂ than petrol or diesel.
Lighter than air, so it rises and disperses quickly if it ever leaks.
Cheaper per kilometre — lower fuel and maintenance costs over time.
Did you know?
Natural gas is lighter than air — it rises and disperses if it leaks.CNG can be ~20–25% cleaner on CO₂ than petrol.Octane rating around 120 — great for engines.Compressed to ~200–250 bar for storage.Tanzania holds 57.54 TCF of proven gas reserves.Every shilling spent on local gas stays in Tanzania's economy.Natural gas is lighter than air — it rises and disperses if it leaks.CNG can be ~20–25% cleaner on CO₂ than petrol.Octane rating around 120 — great for engines.Compressed to ~200–250 bar for storage.Tanzania holds 57.54 TCF of proven gas reserves.Every shilling spent on local gas stays in Tanzania's economy.
CH₄Mostly methane — the simplest, cleanest-burning hydrocarbon.
~200 barCompressed to ~200–250 bar — under 1% of its normal volume.
Lighter than airDensity ~0.55 of air, so leaks rise and dissipate fast.
~540°CHigh autoignition point — petrol ignites near 280°C.
~120 octaneNaturally high octane for efficient, knock-free combustion.
~20–25%Less CO₂ than petrol, with negligible sulphur emissions.

From gas field to your tank

How Tanzania's natural gas travels downstream to reach vehicles, factories, and homes.

1 · Gas field

Extracted offshore & onshore (e.g. Songo Songo, Mnazi Bay).

2 · Processing

Cleaned and treated to pipeline quality.

3 · Compression

Squeezed to ~200–250 bar as CNG.

4 · CNG station

Dispensed at refuelling stations.

5 · You

Powers vehicles, industry & homes.

How clean is CNG?

Indicative tailpipe CO₂ per unit of energy — actual figures vary by engine, fuel quality, and driving cycle.

Diesel
100
Petrol
~92
CNG
~74

Petrol vs diesel vs CNG — what could you save?

Built from real Tanzanian NGV efficiency data (DIT study, Bosinge et al.) and current EWURA cap prices for Dar es Salaam, effective 3 June 2026. Estimates only — your figures vary with vehicle, driving style, and prices.

Prices used: Petrol TZS 4,086/L · Diesel TZS 4,333/L · CNG TZS 1,548/kg
Petrol
Diesel
CNG
Switching to CNG could save about per month vs petrol — roughly a year.

CNG questions, answered

Is CNG safe in a crash?

CNG cylinders are built and tested to demanding safety standards — thick steel or composite walls with pressure-relief and shut-off valves. Because natural gas is lighter than air, any leak rises and disperses quickly rather than pooling, and its high autoignition temperature (~540°C) makes accidental ignition less likely than with petrol. Always insist on EWURA-certified equipment and installers.

Will CNG damage my engine?

A properly converted engine runs reliably on CNG. Because the fuel burns cleanly, it can actually mean less oil contamination and carbon build-up over time. The key is a quality conversion done by an EWURA-certified centre, plus regular servicing.

How long does a conversion take?

At a certified centre, fitting a CNG kit typically takes around a day, depending on the vehicle and kit. The cylinder is mounted, the fuel system is plumbed in, and the engine is tuned and tested before you drive away.

Will I lose power or range?

Modern sequential-injection systems keep performance close to petrol; you might notice a small difference under hard acceleration, but everyday driving feels much the same. Most conversions are bi-fuel, so you keep your petrol tank and can switch between fuels — which actually extends your total range.

Where can I refuel in Tanzania?

Tanzania's CNG station network is growing, concentrated around Dar es Salaam and expanding along key routes as demand and infrastructure investment increase. DNGSAT works to accelerate that rollout nationwide.

Media & Communications

DNGSAT is Tanzania's knowledge hub for downstream natural gas — publishing news, data research, safety guidance, and public education resources to grow understanding and adoption of natural gas across the country.

+
News

$42 Billion LNG Project Enters Decisive Year — Host Government Agreement Expected by Mid-2026

Tanzania's long-awaited Likong'o-Mchinga LNG project, backed by Shell and Equinor, approaches a final investment decision. The 10 million tonne/year facility would process gas from 57 TCF of deepwater reserves, positioning Tanzania as a major global LNG exporter and creating thousands of downstream jobs.

May 2026 3 min read
?
Public Education

How Bajaji Drivers in Dar es Salaam Are Cutting Fuel Costs by Half with CNG

Three-wheeled taxi drivers are leading Tanzania's CNG adoption. Drivers report daily fuel costs dropping from TZS 25,000 to TZS 10,000 after conversion — with payback periods as short as 2–3 months. Private garages now offer instalment plans making conversion accessible to low-income earners.

May 2026 5 min read
Data & Research

CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel: Data on Cost, Mileage, and Payback for Tanzanian Fleets

Research from the University of Dar es Salaam shows CNG fuel costs as low as 50–200 TZS/km versus 500+ TZS/km for petrol. Heavy-duty trucks on dual fuel save 78% per roundtrip. A comprehensive breakdown for fleet operators weighing the conversion economics.

April 2026 8 min read
Public Education

Tanzania Targets 80% Clean Cooking Access by 2034 — Natural Gas at the Center

The government's $65 million household gas connection project is making progress, connecting 30,000 homes. The Natural Gas Utilisation Master Plan positions piped gas and CNG canisters as the primary pathway to replacing charcoal and kerosene across Tanzania by 2034.

April 2026 6 min read
Policy & Advocacy

TPDC Launches 25-Year Strategic Plan — CNG and Mini-LNG Technology Prioritized for Upcountry Reach

Deputy PM Dr. Biteko directs TPDC to expand pipeline infrastructure using modern CNG and Mini-LNG technologies to reach citizens beyond the Mtwara–Dar es Salaam corridor. Phase 1 targets pipeline extensions to Mwanza, Arusha, and Njombe.

March 2026 4 min read
CNG TAQA
Infrastructure

TAQA Dalbit Opens "Master Gas" — Tanzania's First Integrated CNG Station and Conversion Center

A $10M+ joint venture between TAQA Arabia and JCG Oil & Gas opens an 800-vehicle/day CNG station at Pugu Road with an attached conversion center handling 1,000 vehicles/year — the first of 12 planned stations across Tanzania.

November 2023 2 min read

Knowledge Areas

CNG Vehicles & Conversion

Guides on vehicle conversion, safety standards, certified centers, and fuel economics for drivers and fleet operators.

Transport sector

Domestic & Household Use

How to connect natural gas to your home, appliance compatibility, billing, and safety tips for families across Tanzania.

Domestic sector

Industrial Applications

Natural gas for manufacturing, process heat, cogeneration, and large-scale industrial energy in Tanzania's factories.

Industrial sector

Safety & Compliance

Regulatory requirements, EWURA certification, inspection checklists, and emergency procedures for gas operators.

Safety & regulation

Sector Data & Statistics

CNG station counts, vehicle conversion data, demand forecasts, and economic analysis of Tanzania's gas market.

Research & data

Policy & Advocacy

Position papers, regulatory submissions, government engagement, and DNGSAT's lobbying work on behalf of members.

Advocacy

Training & Capacity Building

Workshop announcements, training materials, certification pathways, and e-learning resources for gas professionals.

Education

Environment & Sustainability

Natural gas as a transition fuel — emissions comparisons, environmental benefits, and Tanzania's clean energy pathway.

Sustainability

Join Tanzania's Natural Gas Community

Become part of the association that is shaping Tanzania's energy future. DNGSAT membership gives you access to advocacy, networking, capacity building, and a collective voice with government and regulators.

1

Complete the membership application form

2

Secretary General reviews your application

3

Executive Committee considers and approves

4

Pay your entrance fee and subscription

Contact DNGSAT

Whether you want to join, ask about membership, or collaborate with the Association, we welcome your inquiry.

Registered Office United Republic of Tanzania
(Location determined by the General Assembly)
Membership Applications Submit via Secretary General in accordance with the Constitution
Regulator Registered under the Societies Act, Cap. 337
Ministry of Home Affairs, Tanzania
Technical Oversight Individual members certified by EWURA
(Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority)

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