Tanzanian Motorists Flock to Compressed Natural Gas Amid High Fuel Costs

Tanzanian motorists are increasingly turning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as fuel costs continue to climb, according to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). The lower pump prices and superior mileage of CNG are driving commercial tricycle operators, private car owners, and Bus Rapid Transit fleets to switch fuels in order to cut running costs.

The economic shift is driven by a massive price gap, with one kilogramme of CNG retailing at an average of 1,000/-, compared to nearly 4,000/- for a litre of petrol or diesel. TPDC Communications Head Ms Marie Msellemu stated that 'During this period when there is uncertainty over fuel costs, natural gas has become a solution.'

According to Ms Msellemu, the lower cost and greater efficiency of CNG have attracted increasing numbers of users, including bajaji operators, private motorists, and Bus Rapid Transit services seeking to reduce operating costs. Tanzania has 57.54 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, and TPDC has expanded CNG filling stations in Dar es Salaam from one to nine to meet growing demand.

Research indicates that a vehicle travelling one kilometre on a litre of petrol or diesel can cover about 1.5 kilometres using one kilogramme of natural gas. Acting EACOP Project Officer at TPDC, Mr Jumanne Saidi, stated 'research shows the same vehicle can travel approximately 1.5 kilometres using one kilogramme of natural gas.'

Dar es Salaam now has an estimated 20,000 three-wheeler operators and more than 3,000 vehicles running on natural gas, while about 3,000 households and institutions use natural gas for cooking.