Fuel prices hit the roof in Tanzania

Motorists in Tanzania will have to dig deeper into their pockets after fuel prices hit the roof by 17 percent due to the existing shortage of the United States dollar.

According to the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), cap prices for petroleum products have surged as shortage has caused the value of the dollar to rise, leading to an increase in the cost of importing fuel.

Retail prices for petrol imported through the port of Dar es Salaam will now be transacted at Sh3,199 a litre from Sh2,736 a litre of last month.

Prices of diesel have also increased from Sh2, 544 a litre to Sh2, 935 a litre, while only that of Kerosene showing relief with a slight decrease from Sh2, 829 to Sh2, 668 a litre.

"Changes in prices of petroleum products in August 2023 are mainly due to challenges in the availability of US Dollars and changes in the fuel levy, prices of petroleum products in the world market, and premiums in the importation of petroleum products," Ewura’s director general, Dr James Mwainyekule, stated.

The published cap prices are effective from today August 2, 2023.

The price of petrol that was imported through Mtwara port will now be Sh3, 271 a litre up from Sh2, 809 a litre in July. Diesel will be sold at Sh3,008 up from Sh3,000 and kerosene at Sh2,714 a litre from Sh2, 901.

The price of petrol that was imported through Tanga port will now be Sh3, 245 a litre up from Sh2, 724 a litre in July. Diesel will be sold at Sh2, 981 up from Sh2,760 and kerosene at Sh2, 740 a litre from Sh2, 875.