Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has urged the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) to ensure that oil and natural gas exploration activities in the country are expedited to increase the discovery of this crucial resource.

President Kikwete made these remarks on July 6, 2024, during his visit to the PURA booth at the ongoing 48th Saba Saba Exhibitions in Dar es Salaam.

"I am pleased with the current plans to auction exploration blocks. However, the pace of oil and natural gas exploration in the country is still slow. More efforts should be made to accelerate this pace," Kikwete emphasized.

On behalf of the Government, PURA has continued with preparations to auction open blocks for oil and natural gas exploration.

Among the benefits expected from auctioning these blocks include attracting investment in the upstream petroleum sector, leading to increased exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the country.