MOIL Energies has welcomed the decision by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to introduce a 24-hour working system at fuel depots, saying the move will enhance efficiency in fuel distribution and service delivery.
The depot supervisor at MOIL Energies, Mr Sajad Habib Rai, said the presence of TRA officials throughout the day and night will help simplify procedures and improve the speed of operations for fuel traders.
Speaking after a visit to the company’s fuel storage depot in Kigamboni by TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda, Mr Rai said the new arrangement reflects improved cooperation between the tax authority and the business community.
He explained that the extended working hours for TRA staff will help fuel dealers handle their operations more efficiently, especially in receiving and dispatching petroleum products.
“We commend Commissioner General Mwenda for the good work he is doing. Currently, TRA is giving strong cooperation to traders, and we continue to see improvements every day. This helps us conduct our business more smoothly,” he said.
Mr Rai also assured the public that MOIL Energies has adequate fuel reserves at its depot while awaiting additional supplies from ships that have already docked and are expected to offload petroleum products.
On the recently introduced procedures for the sale of diesel and petrol by TRA, he said the measures have helped address the challenge of fuel diversion and ensure that petroleum products reach their intended destinations.
According to him, fuel traders have welcomed the new system because it strengthens transparency and accountability in the sector.
Earlier, after touring the depot, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the authority has strengthened its operations by introducing 24-hour services at fuel depots to improve monitoring and enhance efficiency in fuel distribution.
Mr Mwenda said the move is part of TRA’s efforts to tighten oversight in the sector and curb fraudulent practices among some operators.
He also reassured the public that Tanzania has sufficient fuel supplies, noting that concerns raised in some areas were not linked to shortages.
“As the government has already stated, there is no shortage of fuel in the country. We want to emphasise that there is enough fuel available,” he said.
He called on fuel traders and other stakeholders to cooperate with TRA officials to ensure the smooth implementation of the 24-hour service system at depots.
Mr Mwenda said the arrangement will help speed up fuel clearance and distribution processes, ultimately ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products across the country.
