Petroleum operations in the country have continued to strengthen under the leadership of the Fifth Phase Government, thanks to the unwavering commitment of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to advancing the sector.

This was revealed by the Director General of PURA, Eng. Charles Sangweni, during a press conference with editors and journalists on May 19, 2025, in Dar es Salaam where he highlighted the achievements realized in petroleum operations under the Sixth Phase Government.

On the list of achievements he highlighted include.

• Issuance of a development license over the Ntorya location;
• Workover over five natural gas producing wells;
• Seismic data acquisition in the Ruvu and Ruvuma blocks;
• Conduct of geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys in the search for oil and natural gas.

Other achievements include enhanced oversight in audit of production sharing agreements; increased local participation in petroleum operations; and the strengthened regulatory framework as a result of development and/or review of frameworks governing the petroleum sub-sector.

Speaking on natural gas production, Sangweni reported that from March 2021 to March 2025, the country produced a total of 301.33 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas.

Out of the total volume, 142.35 billion standard cubic feet were produced from the Mnazi Bay block in Mtwara Region, while 158.98 billion standard cubic feet came from the Songo Songo block in Lindi Region.

Regarding audits of Production Sharing Agreements, Sangweni revealed that during the reporting period, PURA saved over TZS 340 billion that would have otherwise been claimed for cost recovery.

In the area of local participation, Sangweni revealed that through PURA's robust oversight, Tanzanian participation through employment has reached an average of 85%, compared to previous periods when participation was below 50%.

Additionally, procurement of local goods and services currently stands at an average of 60%, a significant increase from below 40% in past years.

Regarding auction of blocks open for exploration, Sangweni stated that the Government through PURA continues with preparations for the fifth licensing round to the purpose of promoting investment.