Dodoma Set for Natural Gas Expansion

The Tanzanian government is expanding its natural gas network to include Dodoma, as part of its plan to increase access to cleaner and potentially more affordable energy. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is leading the effort, with Executive Director Mussa Makame stating that preparations are underway to connect Dodoma as part of the next phase of the country's gas infrastructure expansion.

According to Mr. Makame, the corporation is already expanding natural gas services in Dar es Salaam, Coast Region, Lindi, and Mtwara, while Morogoro, Dodoma, Tanga, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha have been identified for the next phase.

The TPDC chief emphasized that the expansion will open a new chapter for Dodoma's energy infrastructure by bringing natural gas closer to households, businesses, industries, and transport operators. He noted that the broader strategy is intended to move natural gas beyond its traditional role in electricity generation and increase its use in household energy, industrial production, and transport.

The expansion comes as the government seeks to increase domestic consumption of locally produced natural gas and reduce dependence on other energy sources. TPDC has already connected about 1,000 households in Coast Region and Lindi to natural gas during the 2025/26 financial year, extending gas access to two industries and three privately owned compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.

The corporation is also preparing the Kinyerezi-Chalinze gas pipeline, which will supply industrial centres, including Zegereni and Kwala, as well as other consumers along the route. The feasibility study for the project has reached 90.4% completion, while the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) stands at 81%. Mr. Makame stated that demand for natural gas is continuing to grow, with more than 2,500 households already connected in Mtwara, Lindi, Coast Region, and Dar es Salaam.