Oil & Gas

Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, has called on the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) to develop robust strategies aimed at speeding up oil and natural gas exploration across the country. He emphasized that PURA must formulate and implement detailed plans to stimulate exploration in key blocks such as Ruvu, Mkuranga, and Tanga. Ndejembi made the remarks during his first official visit to PURA management since assuming office, stressing the need for efficiency in studies that typically take significant time.

During the meeting, Ndejembi highlighted the importance of PURA providing constructive advice to the Ministry to make the investment environment in the petroleum upstream sector more competitive. He underlined that guidance from PURA is essential before the fifth licensing round, ensuring investors are attracted while national interests are safeguarded. The Minister stressed that timely and strategic advice will directly impact the success of future exploration initiatives.

Ndejembi further noted that a successful fifth licensing round would not only boost government revenue but also strengthen the Ministry’s ability to make a positive mark on Tanzania’s petroleum sector. He called for swift action to prepare the sector for upcoming investment opportunities, emphasizing both economic and strategic benefits.

PURA Director General, Engineer Charles Sangweni, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s engagement and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to executing its duties effectively. Sangweni pledged that PURA will continue contributing to national goals and Vision 2050 through diligent management of oil and gas exploration activities.