Factors Shaping the Adoption of Compressed Natural Gas in Vehicles in Tanzania.

Abstract

This study investigates the factors affecting the
adoption and usage of compressed natural gas
(CNG) in vehicles, emphasizing its potential as a
cleaner energy source and the challenges vehicle
owners face in its utilization. Using a double hurdle
model and descriptive statistics, data were gathered
from 100 randomly selected vehicle owners at three
major petrol stations in Ilala district, Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania. The results indicate that higher education
levels and newer vehicles positively impact both the
decision to adopt and the extent of CNG usage, while
older vehicles and high conversion costs act as
barriers. The study also highlights challenges such
as inadequate CNG infrastructure, high upfront
conversion expenses, and safety concerns. It calls for
targeted interventions to improve public awareness,
expand refueling networks, and offer financial
incentives to encourage the transition to CNG. These
efforts could play a crucial role in advancing cleaner
and more sustainable energy use in Tanzania’s
automotive sector.