DODOMA: Tanzania’s government has moved to reassure the public that the country has sufficient fuel supplies despite growing uncertainty in global energy markets, as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt supply chains and drive volatility in prices.
Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and had put in place measures to ensure the continued availability of petroleum products across the country, while warning traders against hoarding fuel in anticipation of price increases.
Speaking in Dodoma during a meeting with institutions under the Ministry of Energy, Ndejembi said the government remained confident in its preparedness, citing early procurement strategies and coordinated efforts among key agencies responsible for fuel importation, regulation and distribution.
“The global fuel market is unstable, and some traders may be tempted to divert supplies for higher profits. We will not tolerate any breach of contracts,” he said.
The minister directed the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) to carry out inspections of fuel storage facilities nationwide to ensure that petroleum products are not being withheld from the market. He said traders found engaging in such practices would face regulatory action.
In addition, Ndejembi ordered the formation of a multi-agency task force bringing together experts from EWURA, the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA), the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and security agencies. The team will be responsible for monitoring fuel imports, tracking shipments and ensuring that contracted supplies reach Tanzania as scheduled.
The move comes as global fuel markets experience increased uncertainty, with reports of cargo diversions and supply reallocation to higher-paying markets raising concerns among import-dependent countries.
“We must actively track shipments, know where each vessel is and when it will arrive,” Ndejembi said. “Globally, some ships are being diverted to markets facing shortages due to higher profits. This must not leave us without fuel.”
Government officials said the country currently holds substantial reserves of fuel and has secured additional supplies already in transit, which are expected to further strengthen stock levels in the coming weeks.
According to PBPA, Tanzania has about 230 million litres of petrol, enough to last 38 days, 180 million litres of diesel sufficient for 28 days and 31 million litres of jet fuel, covering about 47 days. Additional shipments include 245 million litres of petrol, 208 million litres of diesel and 23 million litres of jet fuel.
Combined, these stocks and incoming deliveries would provide the country with coverage of approximately 78 days for petrol, 50 days for diesel and 91 days for jet fuel, officials said.
Permanent Secretary for Energy (Petroleum) James Mataragio said early procurement had allowed Tanzania to secure fuel supplies at relatively favourable prices compared with current global rates, helping to shield consumers from price shocks.
TZ moves to expand fuel reserves as global energy volatility intensifies
“Early procurement contracts have enabled us to secure fuel at favourable prices compared to current global rates, which will benefit consumers,” he said.
EWURA Director General James Andilile said the domestic fuel market remained stable, with distribution continuing smoothly across six operational zones, and no major disruptions reported.
“The market is stable, supply is smooth and no major challenges have emerged,” he said.
Ndejembi also instructed authorities to work closely with the Tanzania Revenue Authority to ensure that fuel that has completed tax procedures is released promptly into the market to avoid artificial shortages.
He stressed that any fuel held in depots must be distributed without delay, saying the government would not accept situations where shortages are reported while supplies remain in storage facilities.
The government said it would continue to monitor global developments and adjust its strategies accordingly to maintain stability in the domestic energy market, which is critical to economic activity, transport and industrial production.
Tanzania, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, relies heavily on imported petroleum products, making it vulnerable to external shocks. However, officials said coordinated planning and regulatory oversight had strengthened the country’s resilience to global supply disruptions.