Tanzania’s three-wheeled taxi drivers turn to CNG to save money and time – Opinion

“I’d leave home at 6 a.m. and return around 9 p.m., yet still struggled to make ends meet,” he recalls.

That changed when he converted his vehicle to run on CNG. Almost immediately, his daily fuel costs dropped from 25,000 Tanzanian shillings (about USD 9.70) to just 10,000 shillings (about USD 3.88). With expenses slashed, Kayaula began reaching his income targets earlier, shortening his workday and reclaiming time with his family.

“Now I can save more, and taking care of my family has become easier,” he says. “I even get to have dinner with them – something I couldn’t do before.”

Cheaper fuel, shorter days

Kayaula is one of more than 7,000 drivers across Tanzania who have switched to CNG, a transition gaining momentum particularly in commercial transport.

In Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub, CNG is steadily emerging as a viable alternative to petrol and diesel. An 11-kilogram tank, costing around 15,000 shillings (about USD 5.82), can power a bajaji for up to 180 kilometres – significantly farther than petrol.

Although converting a vehicle can cost as much as 1 million shillings (around USD 388), many drivers recover this investment within months through fuel savings. Government data indicates that CNG can cut fuel costs by more than half, a compelling advantage for low-income earners.

Private garages, such as NK CNG AUTO LTD in Dar es Salaam, have responded by offering instalment plans to make conversions more accessible. According to the company’s head mechanic, Mackline Rwamugira, interest is steadily growing.

“Once drivers see the savings from their fellows, they’re convinced,” he says.

While still a fossil fuel, CNG burns more cleanly than petrol or diesel, producing lower emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. In densely populated cities like Dar es Salaam, this could help ease air pollution and reduce climate impacts.

Transport currently accounts for nearly 60 percent of Tanzania’s energy-related carbon emissions. With vehicle numbers rising, the need for cleaner alternatives is becoming more urgent.

“If scaled properly, CNG can bridge the gap toward sustainable transport while improving air quality now,” says Fatma Mshindo, a government urban transport analyst.

Another advantage lies in supply. Unlike petrol and diesel, which are imported, CNG is produced domestically. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) supplies gas from local reserves, with nearly 80 percent used in transport.

By June 2024, more than 1,900 CNG vehicles were refuelling daily. Though still a small share of the total, the number is growing. Infrastructure is expanding too. A new mother station opened in Dar es Salaam in May 2025, capable of serving over 1,000 vehicles per day.

Since 2020, the number of CNG refuelling stations has risen from just two to around nine, all located in Dar es Salaam. The government is also planning mobile stations to extend access to other regions.

Infrastructure gaps remain

Outside the capital, however, access to CNG remains limited. In Bagamoyo, about 70 kilometres north of Dar es Salaam, bajaji driver Juma Mbasso is eager to switch but cannot.

“We hear about the savings from fellow drivers and want to switch,” he says. “But there’s no CNG station here. Even if I converted, I’d have to drive to Dar to refuel.”

His situation underscores a major challenge: without wider infrastructure, the benefits of CNG risk remaining concentrated in urban areas.

Even so, momentum is building. More than 60 companies have applied to construct new refuelling stations. The Dar Rapid Transit system is testing gas-powered buses, and the government is considering tax incentives to accelerate adoption.

Early concerns among drivers – ranging from fears about engine performance to higher maintenance costs – have gradually eased. Rwamugira says better information has been key.

“We explain how CNG works and what to expect,” he notes. “With routine care, CNG engines perform just as well.”

Challenges persist. Fuel supply can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to long queues at stations. Insurance options for converted vehicles remain limited, and safety regulations are still evolving. Analysts emphasise that strong oversight will be crucial.

“There’s real momentum,” says Mshindo. “But clear standards, consistent enforcement, and long-term pricing policies are essential.”

Tanzania’s experience reflects a broader regional shift. Egypt’s CNG programme had reduced carbon dioxide emissions by around 5 million metric tonnes by 2021 and converted more than 500,000 vehicles by 2023. Kenya is also piloting CNG buses and ride-hailing fleets, part of a wider push for cleaner and more affordable transport across Africa.

“These developments show what’s possible with the right strategy and investment,” Mshindo adds.

Beyond fuel savings

In Dar es Salaam, the effects are already being felt beyond the drivers themselves. Lower operating costs are translating into more flexible fares for commuters.

“Before, some drivers wouldn’t even discuss prices,” says Oliver Francis, a city resident. “Now they’re more open to fair rates.”

Office worker Nasra Muniri has noticed the difference in her daily commute. “I used to pay 3,500 shillings (about USD 1.35) each way. Now it’s often 2,000 (about USD 0.77) or less,” she says. “It makes a difference.”

For small business owners like Joyce Masambaji, who relies on bajajis for deliveries, the shift has brought greater predictability.

“Drivers charge less and aren’t stressed about fuel,” she explains. “It’s easier to plan.”

CNG is not a complete solution to Tanzania’s transport or climate challenges. Yet in a difficult economic climate, it is already offering tangible relief – not just in reduced costs, but in time regained.

For Kayaula, the change goes beyond economics.

“Before, I barely saw my children awake,” he says. “Now I help with homework, I rest, and I feel like a real part of home again.”

With thousands of drivers already making the switch and adoption continuing to grow, Tanzania is positioning itself as a potential model for cleaner, more affordable transport systems in emerging economies.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Mweha Msemo is a Tanzanian freelance journalist based in Dar es Salaam. He focuses on stories of marginalised communities, social justice, and digital rights. With a passion for amplifying unheard voices, his work highlights the lives and challenges of underrepresented groups, reflecting his commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding.