Energy Minister meets oil marketers, assures steady fuel supply amid global disruptions

Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Energy, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, has met oil marketing company owners and heads of institutions under the Ministry of Energy, assuring them of continued fuel availability despite mounting global supply pressures.

The meeting took place on March 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s sub-office in Dar es Salaam.

It brought together key players in the petroleum sub-sector at a time of heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.

Mr Ndejembi said the government was closely monitoring the situation and had put in place measures to safeguard domestic supply.

He urged oil marketers to comply strictly with the country’s laws and regulations governing petroleum importation, storage and distribution.

“Discipline and transparency in the market is essential to protect consumers and maintain stability,” Mr Ndejembi noted.

The meeting comes only a day after President Samia Suluhu Hassan laid the foundation stone for the construction of new storage and supply tanks under the Tanzania Ports Authority at the Kigamboni area.

The project is designed to expand the country’s strategic petroleum reserves and improve handling capacity at the port of Dar es Salaam. Once completed, the tanks will enhance stockholding levels and provide a buffer during global supply interruptions.

But the meeting also comes against the backdrop of disruptions in global oil supply chains linked to the ongoing crisis involving Iran.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf have unsettled international shipping routes and insurance markets.

This has pushed up freight costs and prolonged delivery timelines for petroleum products. Several countries in Africa have reported delayed consignments and price volatility.

Tanzania imports all of its refined petroleum products.

The country therefore remains exposed to external shocks.

However, recent investments in storage infrastructure are expected to cushion the economy from abrupt shortages in the medium term.

Energy sector regulators who attended the meeting included the Petroleum Commissioner at the ministry of Energy, Mr Goodluck Shirima, the director general of Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority, Dr James Mwainyekule, the managing director of Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, Mr Mussa Makame, and the Acting chief executive officer of Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency, Mr Bruno Tarimo.

 A representative from the Tanzania Revenue Authority was also present.

Officials said coordination between regulators and the private sector would remain critical in the coming months.

They noted that Tanzania’s bulk procurement system, managed by PBPA, continues to play a central role in securing competitive cargoes and managing supply risks.

Mr Ndejembi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to market stability.

He said there was no cause for alarm. He urged traders to avoid speculative behaviour.

He also called on institutions to strengthen oversight to ensure that fuel reaches consumers without disruption.