Eight firms secure bulky oil import contracts at bid session in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam. In a move to bolster national energy security, the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) successfully conducted its tender opening ceremony on December 16, 2025.

The session, held at the PBPA headquarters in Dar es Salaam, was aimed at securing the country’s fuel requirements for February 2026.

Out of 11 competing international and local firms, eight companies emerged victorious, securing contracts across various supply categories.

The Bulk Procurement System (BPS) remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economic strategy, designed to leverage economies of scale to keep domestic pump prices manageable.

By consolidating the nation’s fuel requirements into massive single tenders, the government is able to negotiate more favourable premiums compared to individual oil marketing companies sourcing products independently.

This transparency-driven approach is essential for maintaining a predictable supply chain in a global market often hit by price volatility and geopolitical shifts.

Speaking on behalf of the PBPA Executive Director, the Director of Petroleum Operations, Eng Bruno Tarimo, extended his congratulations to the successful bidders while highlighting the gravity of their responsibilities.

He noted that the timely delivery of refined petroleum products is non-negotiable for the country’s industrial and transport sectors.

Eng Tarimo urged the winners to move swiftly in finalising all contractual obligations to ensure that the February 2026 influx of fuel proceeds without any logistical bottlenecks.

The session was overseen by the Chairman of the BPS Tender Committee, Mr Ali Saeed, who led the opening process and formal announcement of the winners.

The event attracted a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and industry analysts.

This collaborative environment ensures that the selection process adheres to strict legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering a sense of fair competition that ultimately benefits the final consumer at the petrol station.

Historically, the BPS has been credited with reducing the ship turnaround time at the Port of Dar es Salaam and minimizing the foreign exchange pressure associated with sporadic, uncoordinated oil purchases.

As Tanzania continues to expand its infrastructure and industrial base, the efficiency of these monthly tenders remains a vital pulse point for the national economy.

With the February tenders now awarded, the focus shifts to the logistical execution of offloading and distribution across the Great Lakes region, where Dar es Salaam serves as a primary energy hub.