26 February 2016, Dar es Salaam — The Tanzanian government has confirmed the discovery of about 2.17 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves in the country’s coast region.
Energy and minerals minister Sospeter Muhongo, said the discovery was made last July at the Ruvu basin onshore block.
The official announcement was delayed because the country was going through a political transition and the oil and gas revenues management Act 2015, which gives the minister powers to make such a declaration, was not yet operational, according to Mr Muhongo.
“Now that the law has come into effect and a new government is in power, we are ready to make an international announcement that we have discovered more gas reserves, but there are a few things being sorted out by the Attorney General’s chambers before we do so,” he said.
Mr Muhongo said he would soon officially announce the discovery, which, he added, would be a big boost to the country’s endeavour to have reliable energy sources.
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting in Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam that brought together government and oil and gas companies.
- The Monitor