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The Government has issued a stern warning to traders who are hoarding fuel in order to sell it later at inflated prices, stressing that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the country despite uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The warning was delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Petroleum and Gas, James Mataragio, during an inspection tour of fuel depots and service stations in Dar es Salaam on March 25, 2026.
Mataragio stated that the Government has received reports of delays in fuel loading, with some traders shifting blame to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). He noted that such claims are creating unnecessary panic among citizens.
“We will not tolerate any trader who hides fuel to exploit market conditions. Strict action will be taken against such individuals as economic saboteurs,” he said.
He explained that the purpose of the inspection was to verify the availability of fuel reserves and to ensure smooth distribution across the country. He reassured the public that there is no need to panic or engage in bulk buying of fuel.
According to the Government, the current fuel reserves are sufficient to last until July 2026. Additional strategies are also being implemented to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict on the global oil market.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), James Andilile, said Tanzania has taken early measures to prevent any fuel shortages despite global challenges.
He added that reliance on fuel imports from the Middle East has contributed to rising import and transportation costs, but the situation remains under control under the Government’s management plans.
During the inspection, it was also observed that Camel Oil continues to provide services around the clock.
The Government has urged all stakeholders in the sector to comply with regulations and avoid practices that could create artificial fuel shortages in the country.
