A transformative shift in vehicle fuel is underway in Tanzania, but the lack of filling stations poses significant challenges. The East African nation is beginning to adopt compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, similar to other African nations like Nigeria. CNG is particularly appealing due to its lower costs, attracting approximately 5,000 motorists, especially within the commercial driving sector.
Despite this promising start, the number of vehicles using CNG is a small fraction of Tanzania’s total, and early adopters are paving the way for broader acceptance. The Tanzanian government aims for near-total CNG adoption by the middle of the century, leveraging the country’s abundant offshore gas reserves. Currently, CNG can be less than half the price of petrol, making it an enticing option for drivers like taxi owner Samuel Amos Irube, who invested over 1.5 million Tanzanian shillings to convert his three-wheeled vehicle to CNG.
However, the convenience of this alternative fuel is hampered by long wait times at the few existing filling stations in Dar es Salaam. Irube often spends more time refueling than earning money, with just four fueling options in Tanzania’s commercial hub leading to substantial queues. He reports waiting at least three hours and acknowledges the frustrating situation, although he enjoys substantial savings, spending only 40% of what he would on petrol.
Medadi Kichungo Ngoma, an early CNG adopter, shares his experiences of easier refueling in the past and echoes concerns about the inadequate infrastructure to meet rising demand. Similar frustrations are felt by other motorists, highlighting the need for more filling stations.
The CNG initiative, which started picking up momentum in 2018, has seen an unforeseen surge in demand, as admitted by project leaders. Aristides Kato from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation acknowledges the lack of sufficient infrastructure to support the growing number of gas-powered vehicles. While authorities promote CNG due to its cleaner emissions and local availability, the higher costs of vehicle conversion and reduced mileage compared to petrol may hinder widespread adoption.
Despite these challenges, the growth in CNG usage signals a positive trend in Tanzania. Companies involved in CNG services have plans to expand filling station networks, aiming to replicate successful initiatives seen in other countries. The establishment of a central CNG “mother station” in Dar es Salaam, along with mobile CNG units in key locations, is expected to alleviate some supply issues in the near future.
As the Tanzanian government seeks to enhance infrastructure and attract private investments, the potential for CNG adoption continues to rise, though current bottlenecks pose ongoing frustrations for the nation’s CNG pioneers.
