DODOMA: Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has urged the government to introduce a fuel subsidy programme to cushion citizens from rising pump prices driven by global oil market shocks.
Speaking on Tuesday in the capital Dodoma, CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Kenan Kihongosi, said higher fuel costs were increasing transport and production expenses, with knock-on effects on food prices and household budgets.
“Rising fuel prices are pushing up the cost of living and placing pressure on low- and middle-income households,” he said.
Kihongosi said the party had proposed the creation of a Fuel Price Stabilisation Fund to shield consumers during periods of volatility. He said the proposal was in its final stages, citing a similar intervention in 2022 when the government allocated funds to ease fuel price pressures during the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
CCM also pointed to ongoing investments aimed at strengthening fuel security, including a petroleum storage hub launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The facility is expected to help secure fuel supplies at competitive prices and reduce the impact of global disruptions.
He added that regulations for a National Strategic Petroleum Reserve were being finalised to protect the country against supply shocks and price spikes.
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The party further called for all fuel imports to be routed through a Single Receiving Terminal at TIPER to cut costs linked to delays and demurrage.
Kihongosi said the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) had been strengthened to import fuel directly from producers, bypassing intermediaries and lowering costs.
To reduce long-term reliance on imported petroleum, CCM urged increased investment in public transport, electric vehicle infrastructure and the expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems.
“Government fleets and public transport should begin transitioning to CNG to reduce costs and dependence on imported fuel,” he said.
Kihongosi said the government was taking steps to ensure stable fuel supply nationwide and expressed confidence that Tanzania would withstand current global pressures under President Samia’s leadership.