What You Need to Know
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered a reduction in government motorcades and travel to combat rising fuel costs. The measures aim to address the economic impact of global oil supply disruptions. President Samia emphasized shared transport for officials and warned against unjustified price hikes by businesses, ensuring fairness for citizens.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday ordered government agencies to reduce fuel consumption as part of austerity measures to address rising fuel costs.
While citing global shocks that have disrupted oil supply and driven up prices, she asked citizens to tighten their belts with the expected rise in cost of living.
President Samia said the measures would begin at her office, cutting down on travel and personnel travelling with her.
“Within the government, we have many vehicles and frequent travel. We must now reduce this,” the Tanzanian leader said while giving new direction on the reduction of her motorcade.
“Even in my office, when I travel, officials will no longer follow in separate cars. They will use shared transport to cut down fuel use. I will have a maximum of four cars, and the rest of my delegation will be transported in one bus.”
Speaking after swearing in newly appointed leaders at Chamwino State House on Wednesday, Dr Samia said the ongoing global crisis, linked to tensions of the joint United States/Israel attack on Iran, has disrupted oil supply chains and triggered rising fuel costs worldwide.
Nine days ago, Tanzania revised the fuel prices at the pump after petrol prices rose by about Sh50 (Tsh1,000) per litre in the latest changes by the country’s energy regulator.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) said the increase in fuel prices is part of a global crisis, and Tanzania, as part of this, is taking various measures to ensure the security of fuel supply in the country and maintain affordable prices to minimise economic and social impacts.
And yesterday, President Samia, however, said that Tanzania remains relatively better positioned, with fuel prices still lower compared to several neighbouring countries, despite the global pressures.
She warned the business community against using the fuel situation as a blanket justification for increasing prices of goods already in storage.
“Let us be fair to wananchi. Goods that were stocked earlier should not be used as an excuse to raise prices,” she said, adding, acknowledging that some newly imported goods may experience price increases due to higher transportation and logistics costs linked to rising fuel prices.
“These are global developments. Even as leaders, we continue to call for peace so that trade and the movement of oil and goods can return to normal,” President Samia said.
Tanzania has faced significant economic challenges due to global oil supply disruptions, which have led to rising fuel prices. The government has responded with austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and mitigating the impact on citizens. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent directives reflect a broader strategy to manage the economic fallout from these global pressures while maintaining a focus on fairness in pricing for consumers. The country’s energy regulator has noted that despite the increases, Tanzania’s fuel prices remain lower than those in neighboring countries, highlighting the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy amid external shocks.
