GAS extraction is about to start at three new wells at the Mnazi Bay block in Mtwara Region, adding over 30m standard cubic feet (mscf) per day to current production levels.

Hussein Chitemo, the production superintendent at Maurel et Prom Exploration operating the bloc, confirmed the development during a media tour over the weekend organised by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA).

The new wells are expected to produce more than 30 mscf daily, adding to the current 100 mmscfd from five existing wells, he said, affirming that preparations are in final stages to start gas extraction later this year.

Gas from the five wells is transported to the Tanzania Electric Supply Co. (TANESCO) at Mtwara and to the Madimba gas processing plant operated by GASCO, a subsidiary of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), he said.

Extracting gas at the new wells marks a major step in strengthening Tanzania’s position as an emerging energy hub, supporting industrial activity and power generation through a steady supply of natural gas, he stated.

The visit included s view of critical infrastructure at the Mnazi Bay gas fields, the gas pipeline junction station at Somanga and the Madimba plant, with Desmond Risso, a PURA official, underlining the need to ensure that gas extraction and processing impact is felt across other economic sectors.

“We are scaling up our efforts by investing in strategic partnerships and modern technologies while also building public awareness. These visits help demystify the sector and show its real impact on national development,” he declared.

The tour also included a stop at Mtwara ordinary teachers college, where stakeholders witnessed firsthand the transformation brought by the use of natural gas for cooking—replacing firewood and significantly improving kitchen conditions and cost savings.

“This is one example of how natural gas is already improving lives,” he stated, noting that beyond energy production, this sector is directly contributing to better education, health and livelihoods,” he emphasized.

Added gas extraction is seen as a major move to expand Tanzania’s natural gas output and spur economic growth, at a time that the government is running short of money as certain sources are being cut off in budgetary terms,

As part of its education outreach programme, PURA is working to connect students, educators and local leaders with the industry to nurture future professionals and enhance local participation, he said.

“We run initiatives in education, water access, health and environmental protection. It’s our responsibility to ensure the community benefits directly from our operations,” she stated.

PURA officials urged cooperation among regulatory agencies, investors and communities to ensure sustainable development of the sector.

“Through education, infrastructure and strategic engagement, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and resilient energy economy,” the PURA executive added.