By Alfred Zacharia
Petrol prices in Tanzania have fallen for the fourth month in a row, following lower global oil prices, reduced foreign exchange costs, and cheaper import expenses.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) says global petrol prices fell by 2.3 percent in August 2025. Meanwhile, diesel prices rose by 5.5 percent, and kerosene prices increased by 3.7 percent.
Import costs at Dar es Salaam Port also changed. Petrol import costs dropped by 12.43 percent on average. Diesel import costs fell by 3.11 percent, but kerosene import costs rose by 13.08 percent.
As a result, retail petrol prices at Dar es Salaam Port fell from TZS 2,947 per litre in April to TZS 2,843. Diesel prices dropped from TZS 2,868 to TZS 2,777, and kerosene prices fell from TZS 3,053 to TZS 2,768.
At Tanga Port, fuel prices stayed the same. However, Mtwara Port saw petrol prices rise by 6.12 percent and diesel prices surge by 60.82 percent.
EWURA Director General Dr. James Mwainyekule said foreign exchange costs dropped by 2 percent in August.
Retail buyers at Tanga Port now pay TZS 2,904 per litre for petrol, down from TZS 2,994. Diesel prices fell from TZS 2,914 to TZS 2,839, and kerosene now costs TZS 2,829.
At Mtwara Port, petrol prices dropped to TZS 2,935 from TZS 3,020. Diesel prices fell to TZS 2,870 from TZS 2,940, and kerosene to TZS 2,861 from TZS 3,125.
EWURA has ordered retailers to sell fuel at the official ceiling prices. It warned that anyone selling above these prices will face legal action.
The Petroleum Act of 2015 allows EWURA to regulate petrol prices and promote competition by publishing maximum price limits.
Fuel companies may set competitive prices but must not exceed or go below the set ceilings.
EWURA also requires all fuel stations to display prices, discounts, and offers clearly on visible boards.
Consumers are encouraged to buy fuel from stations with lower prices to promote fair competition.