Three natural gas wells are expected to be drilled in the Mnazi Bay Block located in the Mtwara Region, ten years after the last well was drilled in the area.

The drilling campaign, scheduled to begin in November 2025, aims to increase natural gas production from the Mnazi Bay Block by more than 30 million standard cubic feet per day.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop for contractors who will render required services during drilling, a representative of the Director General of PURA, Mr. Charles Nyangi, said the upcoming drilling campaign at the Mnazi Bay Block marks a historic milestone that reflects the Government’s efforts to advance the oil and gas sub-sector in the country.

“As pointed out, the last well in the Mnazi Bay Block was drilled in 2015. Ten years later, history is about to be made with the drilling of new wells. The Sixth Phase Government, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has clearly demonstrated its commitment to the growth and development of the oil and gas sub-sector” said Nyangi.

He added that, alongside the historic milestone of drilling new wells, the Government made another significant move in 2024 by enabling the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to increase its stake in the Mnazi Bay Block from 20% to 40%. This step has enhanced TPDC’s decision-making power and involvement in the Block.

Commenting on local content and Tanzanian participation in the project, Nyangi emphasized that PURA has continued and will continue to ensure that Tanzanians and local service providers are fully engaged in the campaign.

Currently, the Mnazi Bay Block has five (5) production wells, with a total average production of 90 to 100 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day.

The expected increase will make gas available for various uses, including power generation, industrial applications, domestic consumption, and in vehicles as fuel.