The role of TPDC remains that of exploration for hydrocarbons, production of hydrocarbons, promotion of the industrial base for the petroleum sub-sector, marketing of natural gas, marketing of petroleum products and management of fuel strategic reserves. In order to implement TPDC roles fully, TPDC must have the ability to attract investment in hydrocarbon prospecting and exploitation and be able to finance its planned activities timely and adequately. During the past seven years, TPDC's own development programmes have had very little success due to scarcity of development funds. Despite the flow of gas revenues after commercialisation of its natural gas development project (i.e Songo Songo) in July 2004, disbursement of budgeted Development Funds has been a problem.