Tanzania fuel prices fell in January 2026, driven by declines in global oil benchmarks, despite a weaker local currency, data from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) showed on Wednesday.
EWURA set new cap prices effective Jan. 7, lowering petrol, diesel and kerosene prices across major ports compared with December 2025 levels.
In Dar es Salaam, petrol prices rose slightly to 2,778 Tanzanian shillings per litre from 2,749 shillings in December, while diesel prices dropped sharply to 2,726 shillings from 2,779 shillings, reflecting easing global diesel markets.
Kerosene prices increased to 2,763 shillings from 2,653 shillings.
At Tanga port, petrol prices increased to 2,839 shillings per litre from 2,811 shillings, while diesel prices fell to 2,787 shillings from 2,840 shillings.
Kerosene prices rose to 2,824 shillings from 2,714 shillings.
In Mtwara, petrol prices increased to 2,870 shillings per litre from 2,842 shillings, while diesel declined to 2,818 shillings from 2,872 shillings. Kerosene prices rose to 2,856 shillings from 2,745 shillings.
Wholesale prices followed a similar trend, with diesel prices declining across all ports, while petrol and kerosene recorded marginal increases.
EWURA data showed that global Free on Board (FOB) prices from the Arab Gulf market fell sharply in January, declining by 4.26% for petrol, 12.83% for diesel and 10.44% for kerosene, reversing gains recorded in December, when prices had risen across all products.
The impact of lower global prices was partially offset by a 1.31% depreciation of the Tanzanian shilling against major currencies used in oil trade, compared with a steeper 4.48% depreciation in December.
Product premiums also moved unevenly. Premiums declined at Dar es Salaam port but rose at Tanga and Mtwara, particularly for petrol, adding upward pressure on pump prices in those regions.
Despite mixed movements, the sharp fall in global diesel prices helped ease transport fuel costs, a key input for logistics, agriculture and power generation.
EWURA said retailers and wholesalers must comply with the new cap prices, warning that enforcement measures would be taken against violations.