Fuel revolution in Tanzania stalls due to lack of filling stations

Tanzania is experiencing a significant shift in vehicle fuel use as it begins to adopt compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels like petrol and diesel. This transition comes in light of the country's substantial reserves of natural gas located offshore, which positions CNG as a financially viable option for motorists. However, the growth of CNG adoption has faced significant hurdles due to an inadequate number of filling stations, particularly in urban areas like Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital. Currently, there are only four known filling stations in the city, creating substantial wait times for those looking to refuel. Motorists like Samuel Amos Irube, who converted his three-wheeled 'bajaji' to run on gas, report spending more time waiting in line than earning an income. Irube pays approximately 15,000 Tanzanian shillings to fill a tank that allows him to drive for about 180 kilometers, boasting savings of around 60% compared to petrol. Unfortunately, the lack of infrastructure has forced him to wait for three hours or more each time he needs to refuel. Frustration is common among drivers, with many echoing calls for the rapid establishment of additional filling stations equivalent to those available for petrol vehicles. The CNG initiative is viewed positively by industry stakeholders, as it is associated with reduced emissions and more efficient fuel use. The United Nations denotes CNG as a cleaner-burning fuel, which encourages further investment and development of the infrastructure required for widespread adoption. This view is also mirrored by companies operating filling stations, like Taqa Arabia, which recognizes the growing demand for CNG as an encouraging trend for the future of clean energy in Tanzania. Despite the policy support for CNG expansion, many involved in the project admit that they did not anticipate the rapid escalation in demand for this alternative fuel. With the African continent witnessing a potential shift towards CNG—similar developments can already be observed in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, and Ethiopia—Tanzania's progression is regarded as necessary but hampered by slow infrastructure development. A central 'mother station' is underway in Dar es Salaam to address this shortfall and facilitate wider distribution of gas to smaller stations throughout the region. As this project progresses, stakeholders hope it will alleviate the frustrations faced by drivers and bolster the CNG movement in Tanzania.