2 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:18 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 10:59 UTC
Tanzania has discovered approximately 200 billion cubic feet of natural gas at the Mnazi Bay field, jointly owned by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French operator Maurel & Prom (M&P), which holds a 60% interest. Production is expected to begin in early November, with the gas intended for household, industrial, and vehicle use, particularly through compressed natural gas systems in Dar es Salaam. The find adds about 0.4% to Tanzania’s total discovered reserves of 57.54 trillion cubic feet and is significantly smaller than the country’s largest single discovery of 2.7 trillion cubic feet in 2016.
Natural gas supplied nearly 80% of Tanzania’s electricity in 2024, and the new discovery is seen as a way to support industrial growth amid rising demand. The proximity of Mnazi Bay to existing infrastructure in Mtwara allows for quick integration into the national grid and distribution networks. TPDC is negotiating with four potential investors for small-scale LNG projects to expand access beyond pipeline-reachable areas. The discovery highlights continued exploration success after a prolonged drought, potentially supporting broader domestic gas market development.
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