Motorists, businesses, and households across Tanzania are facing rising fuel prices, but the government has promised to ensure continued access to petroleum products at affordable rates.
Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba said the increase is largely due to regional and global security challenges, including tensions in the Middle East, which have driven up international fuel prices.
“We have seen prices beginning to rise. The government will act swiftly to manage the situation so that citizens continue to access fuel at affordable prices and to control the overall cost of living,” Dr. Mwigulu told Parliament on April 1, 2026, while presenting the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates in Dodoma.
The government has strengthened systems for importing, storing, and distributing fuel. At Dar es Salaam Port, a new storage facility with a capacity of 308,110 tonnes is under construction, with 30% of the work completed.
Storage capacity at Mtwara Port has been expanded from 29,280 tonnes to 110,221 tonnes, enabling the reception of vessels carrying up to 30,000 tonnes of fuel.
Dr. Mwigulu also highlighted efforts to expand the use of natural gas. From July 2025 to February 2026, the distribution network reached 243.6 km, up from 184.8 km, supplying industries, institutions, and households.
He directed the Ministries of Energy and Construction to develop standard specifications for government fire-fighting equipment and build infrastructure to enable these units to use compressed natural gas.
“These measures show the government’s commitment to securing energy supplies, stabilizing fuel prices, and promoting cleaner energy alternatives for the country,” he said.
