Tanzania has increased pump prices for super petrol and diesel by KSh 50 per litre, effective Wednesday, April 1. Tanzanians will pay more for fuel. Photo: Rubis Energy. Source: Facebook The country’s Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (EWURA) attributed the rise primarily to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East following the joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran. Why did Tanzania increase fuel prices? In a notice on Wednesday, April 1, EWURA noted that about 20% of oil shipments to international markets have been hampered by attacks on oil wells, storage facilities, and refineries, as well as Iran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The agency said that Tanzania imports a significant share of its petroleum from the Middle East to meet domestic demand. It pointed out that the conflict has driven up transportation costs due to a shortage of cargo vessels and a surge in marine insurance premiums. “Attacks on oil wells, storage facilities, and oil refineries, along with Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted approximately 20% of oil shipments to global markets.
This has affected oil production in Middle Eastern countries, from which Tanzania imports a significant portion,” EWURA explained. What are the new fuel prices in Tanzania? EWURA increased super petrol prices in the port city of Dar es Salaam by TSh 956 (KSh 49) to TSh 3,820 (KSh 192) from TSh 2,864 (KSh 143) in March. Additionally, diesel prices increased from TSh 2,858 (KSh 143.17) to TSh 3,806 (KSh 190.66) per litre in March. Kerosene now retails at TSh 3,684 (KSh 184.55) in Dar es Salaam, TSh 3,745 (KSh 187.60) in Tanga and TSh 3,777 (KSh 189.21) in Mtwara. . Tanzania, as part of the global economy, continues to implement various measures to ensure fuel supply security,” EWURA stated. Consumers in Tanzania will feel the pain at the pump. Image for illustration. Photo: Hass. Source: Facebook What next for Kenya amid fuel crisis? The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will announce new pump prices on Tuesday, April 14. Geopolitical economist Aly-Khan Satchu told TUKO.co.ke that Kenya may have to reduce taxes imposed on fuel to cushion consumers. “The biggest expense item for the country is the monthly fuel bill and that has effectively doubled. The government will have to be dynamic and innovative and look at the tax load on each litre sold and manage that dynamically,” he stated.
