DEPUTY Prime Minister and Energy Minister Dr Doto Biteko has commended the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for the strong regulation of electricity, petroleum, natural gas as well as water in the country.

He noted that the utility authority has made the subsectors prosper, leading to notable development across several sectors. “The government has recorded tremendous growth in the energy sector due the good work done by EWURA” he said.

Dr Biteko applauded EWURA for preparing the Energy Sector Development Reports for the year 2023/24, noting their great importance to the government in decision-making.

Dr Biteko made the remarks on Wednesday evening in Dodoma during the launch of energy sector report.

"This is the second time we are launching three reports together on electricity, oil and natural gas. These are results of extensive regulation and analysis done by EWURA. The reports reflect the status of our energy sector, including achievements, challenges and opportunities for further development," he said.

He added that the reports also help other stakeholders such as investors, businesses and service providers in the energy sector to evaluate themselves, improve performance and allow citizens to understand the progress made in service provision.

He emphasized that the energy sector is crucial for economic and social development. "Without sufficient and reliable energy, it’s difficult to achieve our development goals," he said.

"Energy fuels industrial growth, improves social services such as health, water and education, and is essential for improving the lives of every Tanzanian," he added.

Regarding the natural gas subsector, Dr Biteko noted that the report showed an increase in the use of natural gas in industries, homes and transportation. Additionally, there has been an increase in compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations for vehicles.

"The report also shows an improvement in oil availability in the country as well as efforts to encourage local investors to build fuel stations in small towns and rural areas. I also commended oil companies for cooperating well with the government," he said.

Deputy Minister for Energy Judith Kapinga said that over the past four years, the sector has gained national and international recognition due to the government’s strong efforts to strengthen investment in the sector.

EWURA Board Chairperson, Prof. Mark Mwandosya, thanked and congratulated the government for its continued major investments in the energy sector.

Earlier, EWURA Director General, Dr James Andilile, said that launching the reports is a legal requirement and that the same has already been done for the water sector.

He stated that in the electricity subsector, power generation increased from 2,411 megawatts in 2023 to 4,032 megawatts in 2024.

"Due to the increase in electricity generation, service delivery has improved and past challenges have been addressed through infrastructure investment. TANESCO’s financial status has also improved for the third consecutive year, making profits due to the government's move to eliminate leased power plants," he said.

He also reported that by June 2024, there were 2,361 fuel stations, a 10 percent increase, with 480 stations in rural areas, a 12 percent increase.

Regarding natural gas, he said the number of vehicles using natural gas rose from 7,000 in 2022/23 to 15,000 by March, 2025 representing a 49 percent increase.