Tanzania discovers gas deposits near Dar es Salaam

Tanzanian government has confirmed that about 2.17 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves have been discovered in the coast region.

The country’s Energy and Minerals minister, Sospeter Muhongo, on Wednesday said the discovery was made last July at the Ruvu basin onshore block.

He said the announcement was delayed because the country was going through a political transition.

“Now that the law has come into effect and a new government is in power, we are ready to make an international announcement that we have discovered more gas reserves, but there are a few things being sorted out by the Attorney General’s chambers before we do so,” he said.

Muhongo said he would soon officially announce the discovery, which would be a big boost to the country’s endeavor to have reliable energy sources.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dodsal Hydrocarbons and Power (Tanzania) Ltd, Pilavulathill Surendran, said the discovery was made through three wells drilled by the company, adding that there was a possibility of more gas being discovered in the area.

“We have learnt that there are huge potentials of hydrocarbons in Tanzania. We expect to have more gas discoveries in the near future,” he said.

He explained that the discovery was significant in that it was made close to Dar es Salaam, the main local market and a gateway to other nations.

Tanzania’s natural gas reserves currently stand at about 55tcf following new deep sea discoveries off the country’s southern coast. Tanzania is also finalizing plans to set up a liquefied natural gas processing plant in Lindi.