During transportation, cylinders should be carried in an upright position and left to rest for at least 20 minutes before use. To check for possible leaks, users are advised to apply soapy water to the valve area
Dar es Salaam. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) continue to strengthen regulation and oversight of Tanzania’s natural gas sub-sector, with a clear focus on advocating household connections for clean cooking in line with the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024/34.
Recent figures from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), reveal a steady rise in household connections in Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Mtwara, and Pwani’s Mkuranga District, underscoring progress in expanding access to affordable and safe alternatives to charcoal and firewood.
TPDC statistics indicated that in Dar es Salaam, 880 households are now connected to piped natural gas.
In Lindi, connections have risen sharply to 677 households, with 470 of these being new connections added in the financial year 2024/2025 on top of 207 earlier connections.
In Mtwara, a total of 425 households are connected, while in Mkuranga District, construction of pipelines has already begun to serve 530 homes.
In addition to households, seven hotels in Dar es Salaam are now using natural gas for cooking, demonstrating how the regulated network is also reaching the hospitality industry.
This adoption highlights the versatility of natural gas as a clean cooking solution not only for domestic consumers but also for commercial kitchens.
Regulation anchored in safety and access
At the heart of Ewura’s regulatory approach is safety and reliability. The Authority oversees technical compliance by requiring operators to maintain the integrity of the natural gas infrastructure including processing, transmission and distribution lines.
Natural gas quality, measurement, maintainability of pressure valves, gas monitoring devices, routine leak detection and safety related matters are also part of the regulatory framework, ensuring that natural gas distributed to homes remains safe.
Ewura’s regulatory framework is designed to protect households while enabling more Tanzanians to enjoy the benefits of natural gas for cooking.
By enforcing strict standards, the Authority not only builds public trust but also lowers risks often associated with traditional cooking solutions like charcoal, kerosene, or firewood, which cause indoor pollution, respiratory diseases, and environmental damage.
Infrastructure expansion
Ewura’s oversight extends to infrastructure development. According to the Authority’s recent fact sheet, As of mid-2025, Tanzania’s natural gas pipeline network stretches over 815 kilometres, connecting processing plants, transmission lines, and distribution pipelines.
This regulated infrastructure makes it possible for households, industries, and institutions to tap into natural gas as a reliable energy source.
In Lindi and Mtwara regions where natural gas is produced, the increase in household connections demonstrates how infrastructure expansion is gradually translating into direct community benefits.
Meanwhile, projects like the ongoing pipeline construction in Mkuranga highlight how Ewura’s regulatory role ensures that technical standards are upheld as the network expands to new areas.
Aligning with the national clean cooking agenda
The government has set ambitious targets under the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024/34, aiming to significantly reduce the proportion of households dependent on biomass fuels.
Currently, biomass accounts for more than 80 percent of household energy use, with devastating consequences: deforestation, carbon emissions, and health risks from smoke inhalation.
By regulating household natural gas distribution, Ewura is helping to bridge the clean cooking gap. The Authority’s mandate emphasizes making regulated energy services available to all consumers including low-income, rural, and disadvantaged households.
This aligns with broader government efforts to ensure that cleaner energy solutions are not just a privilege of urban dwellers but an accessible reality for millions of Tanzanians.
The road ahead
Looking forward, Ewura’s oversight continues to be central in shaping future access to clean cooking energy.
By the end of 2024, private companies, including KS Energy Tanzania Limited, Eurotec Engineering Corporation and Rosetta Energy Solutions of Egypt showed interest for the development of mini-liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.
The initiative is designed to supply natural gas through special storage tanks to industries, households, and distribution stations, expanding access to regions currently not served by pipelines.
According to TPDC’s managing director, Mussa Makame, these projects will establish large distribution stations with pipeline systems in Tanga, Mwanza, Mbeya, Iringa, Shinyanga, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Arusha over the next two and a half years.
These facilities will extend supply both within cities and to surrounding areas, offering residents an opportunity to shift from traditional fuels to cleaner and more efficient energy sources.
Ewura’s director general, Dr James Andilile, said that the projects are expected to significantly broaden the natural gas supply network.
He noted that while some regions currently lack direct pipeline connections, the mini-LNG projects will provide a practical alternative for reaching them.
“The government is committed to supporting investors and ensuring that these projects become successful as planned,” Dr Andilile added, underlining the national priority of expanding access to clean cooking solutions.
