The cost of fuel in Tanzania has increased, effective from October 7, as the price of a litre of petrol in Dar es Salaam rose by Sh261 to Sh4,057, while diesel increased by Sh209 to Sh4,086. These new prices, issued by the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), represent a sharp rise from the September cap prices of Sh3,796 for petrol and Sh3,877 for diesel.
The price increases vary across the country, with some inland markets now paying more than Sh4,300 for a litre of petrol. At the Port of Tanga, petrol has increased by Sh251 to Sh4,123 per litre, from Sh3,872 in September, while diesel has risen by Sh199 to Sh4,152 from Sh3,953. In Mtwara, petrol has increased by Sh261 to Sh4,170 per litre, from Sh3,909, while diesel has risen by Sh209 to Sh4,199 from Sh3,990.
According to EWURA, the increases are attributed to renewed tensions in the Middle East, which affected oil production, supply and shipping worldwide. The authority said the tensions contributed to a significant increase in international prices of refined petroleum products during September. This development has impacted Tanzania's domestic fuel pricing system.
The new monthly cap prices come as global oil markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, with changes in international product prices feeding through to Tanzania’s domestic fuel pricing system. The impact is more pronounced in some inland markets, where transport and distribution costs add to the prices charged at the pump.
Regional variations in fuel prices have been noted, with Kyerwa District in Kagera Region having the highest petrol cap at Sh4,370 per litre, while diesel is capped at Sh4,399. In Karagwe, petrol is capped at Sh4,364 per litre, while Misenyi has a cap of Sh4,356. In Geita Region, petrol is capped at Sh4,319 per litre in Chato and Sh4,336 in Mbogwe.
The Government, through EWURA, is monitoring developments in the global market and taking measures to safeguard fuel supplies and keep prices affordable. The published figures are maximum retail prices rather than mandatory pump prices, allowing oil marketing companies to sell below the cap to compete for customers.
EWURA has urged consumers to demand electronic fiscal receipts for every fuel purchase, which can serve as evidence when lodging complaints over prices above the approved cap or concerns about fuel quality. The regulator also requires petrol stations to display prices prominently and indicate any discounts, promotions or other incentives offered to customers.
Key points
- The fuel price increases in Tanzania are attributed to renewed tensions in the Middle East.
- The price of a litre of petrol in Dar es Salaam rose by Sh261 to Sh4,057.
- The Government is monitoring global market developments to keep fuel prices affordable.
