Licensing Round And Gas Policy Progress

May has been a busy month in Tanzania's energy sector with the gas industry once again dominating headlines. The circulation of a revised gas policy, announcement of a fresh licensing round and delivery of government's energy budget for the coming year has kept commentators busy while troubles in Mtwara have once again raised security concerns.

Further draft gas policy released

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals this month released the third draft of Tanzania's Natural Gas Policy prior to the presentation of its budget for the coming year. The release of the latest draft policy was preceded by a workshop organised for members of parliament to brief them on the contents of the revised document.

Attached to this briefing is a summary of the contents of the draft which, while largely similar to the initial version, contains certain key changes including more extensive references to the role of a National Oil and Gas Company though it is unclear how this will interact with the incumbent TPDC.

International investors will need to seek further...