DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania Revenue Authority has introduced new procedures to strengthen oversight of fuel distribution, while assuring the public that the country has sufficient supplies despite reports of delays at some filling stations.
The authority said challenges reported in parts of the country were linked to distribution and logistics rather than shortages.
TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the agency had begun providing 24-hour services at fuel depots to ensure continuous operations and closer monitoring.
“Just as the government has confirmed, there is enough fuel in Tanzania,” Mwenda said during a visit to storage facilities in Dar es Salaam. He urged operators to comply with established procedures to improve efficiency and transparency.
As part of the changes, authorities have introduced a revised taxation system requiring fuel intended for domestic use to be taxed before sale. Fuel destined for export will be subject to stricter controls to prevent tax evasion.
TRA Customs Commissioner Juma Hassan said the measures were designed to reduce fraud and improve revenue collection.
Depot operators, including facilities run by private companies, said the new system would help ensure fair distribution and reduce losses linked to pilferage.
Energy officials also moved to reassure the public about supply levels.
The Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, James Mataragio, said current fuel stocks were sufficient to meet demand until around July 2026, with additional shipments already secured to cover future needs.
He said the government had taken proactive steps to avoid disruption, even as global supply chains face pressure from geopolitical tensions and refinery disruptions in key exporting regions.
Tanzania has historically depended on fuel imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz and suppliers in the Middle East, as well as India, which have all faced supply challenges in recent months.
Mataragio said his visit to depots aimed to verify stock levels and address complaints about delays in tanker loading and delivery to service stations.
“We are aware of complaints about some stations not receiving fuel promptly,” he said. “Our aim is to ensure that fuel is not only sufficient but also dispatched efficiently.”
Officials from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority also said they were closely monitoring the situation.
EWURA Director General James Andilile urged motorists to avoid panic buying, saying supply remained stable and under daily review.
“Fuel is sufficient and the government monitors the situation across the country,” he said, while noting that global price fluctuations, insurance and freight costs continue to affect import prices.
The government said the new measures are expected to improve efficiency and transparency in the fuel supply chain, ensuring reliable access nationwide.