Tanzania Sees Rise in CNG Adoption Amid Petrol Price Uncertainty
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has seen a surge in the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) due to its lower cost and efficiency compared to petrol and diesel. According to TPDC's Public Relations and Communications Unit Head, Ms Marie Msellemu, one kilogramme of CNG is sold at an average price of 1,000/- tshs, while one litre of diesel or petrol costs around 4,000/- tshs.
This has led to many vehicle owners showing interest in installing CNG systems as an alternative source of energy. Statistics show that Dar es Salaam currently has an estimated 20,000 bajaji operators and more than 3,000 vehicles using natural gas as a substitute for petrol and diesel.
The use of CNG is expected to reduce operating costs for vehicle owners, and TPDC has already seen a significant increase in the number of customers using natural gas for domestic purposes. The corporation has also increased the number of CNG filling stations from one to nine in Dar es Salaam.