Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation officials have sought to play down a proposal by Kigoma North parliamentarian Zitto Kabwe that a 10-year ban should be imposed on new oil and gas licensing to allow time to develop indigenous capacity within the industry.
With LNG export projects on the agenda, there is some concern in industry circles about increasing politicisation of the sector following the appointment of new Energy Minister Sospeter Muhongo.
The comments by Kabwe, who also chairs the Parliamentary Public Organisation Accounts Committee, did find some resonance with Muhongo, who last weekend suggested there would be no new permits issued before the planned fourth licensing round, which has been delayed by “lack of internal capacity”.
