Though not directly linked to the protests in Mtwara, the TPDC-Statoil affair underlines a growing awareness among Tanzanians of the issues surrounding oil and gas, and an increasing dissatisfaction with the way the government handles natural resources contracts and communicates this information to citizens. 
Pamoja na kuwa hakuna uhusiano wa moja kwa moja na vurugu zilizotokea Mtwara, uhusiano uliopo kati ya TPDC na Statoil wapelekea wananchi wengi wa Tanzania kuongeza umakini wao kwenye masuala ya mafuta na gesi, na pia kuongezeka miongoni mwao kwa kutoridhishwa na namna serikali inavyosimamia mikataba ya rasilimali za asili na namna inavyowashirikisha wananchi.