Interpretation of 3D seismic data acquired in the Ruvuma Block located in Mtwara Region has indicated the potential presence of 3.45 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, compared to the 1.87 trillion cubic feet that had been reported previously.

This was disclosed on January 13, 2026, in Dar es Salaam by the operator of the Ruvuma Block (ARA Petroleum Tanzania Ltd – APTL) during a workshop organized by the company.

The purpose of the workshop was to explain how the conducted interpretation has enhanced the understanding of the geology of the Ruvuma Block and raised hopes for the potential discovery of more natural gas in the area.

Speaking at the workshop, APTL General Manager, Mr. Erhan Saygi, stated that extensive work carried out in processing and interpreting 3D seismic data covering a total area of 338 square kilometers, which was acquired in 2022, enabled the company to gain a broader understanding of the Block.

“The processing and interpretation results of the acquired 3D seismic data, together with the assessment of other existing data in the Ruvuma Block including 2D seismic data and data from wells drilled in the block have given APTL confidence in the potential to discover more natural gas in this block,” said Erhan.

During the workshop, which was attended by stakeholders from the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), APTL stated that, following these encouraging prospects, the company will continue conducting further studies over the Ntorya area to confirm the existence of the indicated volume of natural gas.

In 2026, APTL and its partners in the Ruvuma Block (TPDC and Ndovu Resources Ltd) will carry out the workover of the Ntorya-1 well and conduct testing of the Ntorya-2 well. Both wells will be production wells. In addition, the company and its partners will drill the one appraisal well named Chikumbi -1.