The Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals has advised the government to increase the construction of natural gas refueling stations for vehicles in regional areas in order to boost the use of natural gas in transportation. This recommendation was made on January 25, 2025, following a visit by the committee to inspect the progress of the main natural gas refueling station (CNG) in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam. David Mathayo, the committee's chairman, emphasized the need for the government to build gas pipelines extending to regional areas, rather than relying on trucks to transport gas. “Expanding gas pipelines to other regions will benefit vehicle owners nationwide and provide affordable and sustainable energy access,” said Mathayo. The committee also expressed concerns over the agreement between the University of Dar es Salaam and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) regarding the land designated for the CNG station. Currently, TPDC is leasing the land from the university, but the committee recommended that TPDC be granted the land for free. “Since both institutions are public and serve the people, removing the lease agreement would reduce operational costs and ultimately lower prices for consumers,” Mathayo explained. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, stated that the government is continuing its efforts to create a favorable environment for private sector investment in CNG infrastructure. By partnering with the private sector, she noted, the government expects to expedite the development of a nationwide CNG network. She also highlighted the significant economic and environmental benefits of switching to CNG as a transportation fuel. "CNG is an affordable and clean alternative to diesel and petrol; it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in urban areas," Kapinga said. She further emphasized that using domestically produced natural gas reduces the country's reliance on imported oil, strengthening energy security and saving foreign currency. Derrick Moshi, the Director of Planning and Investment at TPDC, mentioned that the Ubungo station will encourage the private sector to invest in CNG infrastructure and attract more vehicles to use CNG instead of imported fuels. The station will also serve as a distribution hub for smaller stations, helping to reduce congestion and make natural gas more accessible. Additional smaller stations in areas like Muhimbili and Kibaha will expand services to key locations and reduce travel distances for users.