The Government is stepping up efforts to reduce the time oil tankers spend at the Dar es Salaam port, a move that could help lower avoidable costs in the fuel supply chain and protect consumers from unnecessary price pressures.
The initiative focuses on improving coordination between government agencies, oil importers, storage depot operators and other players involved in receiving and moving petroleum products.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Petroleum and Gas, Dr James Mataragio, announced the measures on Friday, August 14, 2026, during an inspection of petroleum infrastructure at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and Tanzania International Petroleum Reserves Limited (TIPER) in Dar es Salaam.
Dr Mataragio said the Government wants oil tankers to discharge their cargo efficiently and leave the port without unnecessary delays.
“The Government expects vessels to arrive, discharge oil and leave. Every institution must understand its responsibility and prepare accordingly,” he said.
The Government's concern is partly driven by the cost of delays, which can increase expenses for companies and ultimately create pressure on fuel prices paid by consumers.
Dr Mataragio said some privately owned fuel storage facilities have been receiving and transferring petroleum products at a slower pace, forcing vessels to wait longer before completing their operations.
He directed the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) to strengthen supervision of private depot operators and ensure they maintain infrastructure capable of handling fuel efficiently.
The Permanent Secretary specifically called for improvements to pumps and other fuel-handling equipment, particularly at facilities where ageing or inadequate equipment is limiting the speed of operations.
For consumers, reducing such bottlenecks could help make the petroleum supply chain more efficient and reduce costs that do not add value to the fuel itself.
Longer vessel stays can result in additional charges, including costs associated with ships waiting to discharge their cargo. These expenses can eventually be reflected elsewhere in the supply chain.
PBPA Chief Executive Officer Erasto Simon said the agency would meet key stakeholders, including oil marketing companies (OMCs) and TPA, to review the Standard Operating Procedure Manual governing petroleum handling operations.
The review is intended to establish clear responsibilities, timelines and accountability for each stakeholder involved in receiving and transferring petroleum products.
Mr Simon said better coordination between vessels and receiving depots would help reduce waiting time and improve the movement of fuel into the domestic market.
The move is also expected to strengthen accountability among operators, ensuring that weaknesses in one part of the supply chain do not unnecessarily affect the wider market.
For ordinary Tanzanians, the significance of the initiative goes beyond faster port operations. A more efficient petroleum supply chain can help minimise avoidable costs and support more predictable fuel availability.
The measures are part of wider efforts to improve the efficiency of Tanzania's petroleum sector and ensure that infrastructure and systems supporting fuel imports keep pace with the country's growing demand.
Dr Mataragio was accompanied during the inspection by Petroleum Commissioner Goodluck Shirima, PBPA Chief Executive Officer Erasto Simon, Dar es Salaam Port Manager Abed Gallus Abed, EWURA Eastern Zone Manager Engineer Lorivii Long’idu and other Ministry of Energy officials and technical experts.
