By Our Correspondent, Dar es Salaam

The Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) on January 30, 2026 received a delegation of 30 Petroleum Engineering students from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI), under the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The visit aimed to provide students with practical exposure to PBPA’s operations and the implementation of the Bulk Procurement System (BPS) in Tanzania.

Speaking during the visit, the Acting Manager for Petroleum Logistics at PBPA, Engineer Sophia Kidimwa, said the students were allowed to understand the entire petroleum supply process in the country, from importation to the management of logistics for receiving fuel.

“We received fourth-year students from UDSM and DMI who came to learn about all procedures involved in petroleum supply in Tanzania, how fuel enters the country, the entire importation process, petroleum logistics, and the benefits of the Bulk Procurement System (BPS),” said Engineer Sophia.

She added that PBPA has continued to receive visitors from various institutions interested in learning about the BPS due to its success and the benefits it brings to the nation.

“As an institution, we have been providing this knowledge to our visitors, and they have expressed satisfaction. We continue to welcome all stakeholders who wish to learn about the Bulk Procurement System,” she emphasized.

On his part, PBPA Engineer Prudence Laurean said the students were taken through all PBPA systems, from fuel importation stages to the point where fuel reaches storage depots. This included the use of the SCADA system in monitoring fuel during offloading from the jetty to both government and privately owned storage facilities.

“These trainings are very important for students as they build a deep understanding of PBPA’s operations and provide knowledge that will benefit them academically in the future,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Sifrina John, a fourth-year student at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the visit aimed to connect classroom learning with the reality of work in Tanzania’s petroleum sector.

“Our goal is to link what we learn in class with real working environments in the petroleum sector and to practically understand how PBPA operates in fuel importation and supply management in the country,” said Sifrina.

She added that the students were pleased with the training they received and with how PBPA manages fuel supply and contributes to the national economy.

“We have gained in-depth understanding of the fuel importation process, supply management, and PBPA’s contribution to the national economy. This training has greatly helped us connect theory with practice,” she emphasized.

The visit is part of PBPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with various institutions in the country, while also enhancing young people’s understanding of strategic systems that manage the petroleum sector and their contribution to the national economy.