TANGIBLE benefits have been realised since the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, including reduced fuel costs and improved efficiency in the transport sector, enabling up to 15,000 vehicles alternative fuel, the government has stated.

Salome Makamba, the Energy deputy minister, made this observation during a visit to the Mlimani CNG refilling station, where members of the Energy and Minerals standing committee of the National Assembly to assess the progress and impact of ongoing investments in natural gas infrastructure.

She cited the recent commissioning of the Puma CNG station in Salasala on the northern outskirts of the city, affirming that it is currently one of the largest in Africa and thus a milestone in the country’s clean energy drive.

The government has procured five large CNG transport vehicles to distribute gas to remote stations in Dodoma, Morogoro, Arusha and Tanga, ensuring steady supply across regions and preventing service disruptions, she said.

Moreover, new rapid transit buses are operating on CNG, improving efficiency, lowering operational expenses and enhancing passenger services, she said, pointing at the Mlimani CNG station is capable of refuelling up to 1,200 vehicles per day.

It operates three specialised pumps for supplying CNG to smaller off-site stations, industrial users, public institutions and households, she said, while the committee expressed support for investment efforts to expand access to affordable and clean energy.

Subira Mgalu, the committee chairperson, said that broader CNG adoption will contribute to economic growth, environmental protection and improved livelihoods, urging investors to work with the government in developing compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities in Dar es Salaam and other regions.

Stressing that CNG was on the rise among motorists and transport operators, she said that this demonstrates the need for expanded infrastructure to meet current and future needs. Using CNG offers cost savings of up to 40 percent compared with petrol and diesel, making it an attractive alternative for private vehicle owners and public transport providers, she stated.

“The growing public response shows that this is a viable and sustainable energy option, a clear opportunity for the private sector to partner with the government in expanding CNG infrastructure so that more citizens can benefit,” she said.

Increased investment in refuelling stations, distribution systems and conversion services would cut fuel costs and lower environmental pollution, as CNG is cleaner than conventional petrol or diesel, she stated.

The government needs to convert its own fleet of vehicles with CNG technology, significantly cutting operational costs for public institutions while setting an example for wider adoption of the energy source, she stated.

The MPs commended the government for ongoing investment in CNG infrastructure, expressing satisfaction with ongoing research and development initiatives in the natural gas subsector.  Reliable gas supply has the potential to support other essential services, including household and industrial cooking, thereby curbing reliance on charcoal and firewood, they added.