The Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) is implementing various strategies to ensure the assured availability of natural gas in the country.

This was disclosed on June 17, 2025, by Mr. Charles Nyangi, Head of Local Content and Stakeholders Engagement at PURA, during his remarks at the Public Service Week Exhibition held in Dodoma.

“The Petroleum Act, 2015 mandated PURA to advise the minister responsible for petroleum affairs on various issues including the promotion of open acreages for exploration of oil and gas”

“PURA has continued to implement this crucial responsibility intended to attract investment in oil and gas exploration in the country” stated Nyangi.

Nyangi further noted that such anticipated investments will help accelerate oil and gas exploration activities, thereby increasing the likelihood of new natural gas discoveries or even oil finds, ultimately contributing to a more reliable energy supply.

In the area of natural gas production, Nyangi stated that PURA has continued its role in monitoring and regulating gas production from Mnazi Bay and Songo Songo, the only gas-producing fields in the country.

Through regular monitoring of the fields, PURA has been able to recommend essential interventions to ensure these fields continue to produce natural gas sustainably.

These interventions include requiring gas field operators to carry out timely well interventions, drill new wells (both exploratory and production), and regularly assess the integrity of gathering pipelines.

Regarding well drilling, Nyangi revealed that the operator of the Mnazi Bay gas-producing field is finalizing preparations to drill three wells, which are expected to add over 30 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

PURA is also overseeing preparations to drill natural gas wells at the Ntorya Location in Ruvuma Block through which 60 to 140 million standard cubic feet of gas per day will be produced.