Tanzania fuel prices surge amidst Middle East conflict

Dar es Salaam. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) has announced a significant increase in petroleum cap prices for April 2026.

These changes took effect at 12:01 am on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The regulator attributes the sharp rise to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

This geopolitical tension has severely disrupted oil production and shipping routes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Consequently, Tanzania is facing higher import costs and increased insurance premiums for cargo vessels.

In Dar es Salaam, the retail price for petrol has risen to Sh3,820 per litre. This represents a substantial increase from the March price of Sh2,864 per litre.

Diesel prices in the city have also jumped from Sh2,858 to Sh3,806 per litre. Kerosene has followed this upward trend, climbing from Sh2,932 in March to Sh3,684 in April.

Other major ports report similar spikes, with Tanga prices for petrol now reaching Sh3,881 per litre.

The price adjustments reflect dramatic increases in global Free on Board (FOB) prices. Petrol FOB prices surged by 69.98 percent compared to the previous month.

Diesel and kerosene saw even more extreme rises of 114.46 percent and 120.81 percent, respectively.

These global factors heavily outweighed a minor 0.45 percent decrease in the applicable exchange rate for April.

Despite the rising costs, Ewura confirms that national petroleum stocks remain sufficient for domestic needs.

The authority has advised citizens to use fuel with increased efficiency during this global crisis. Retailers are strictly mandated to issue electronic receipts for all sales.

Failure to adhere to the new price caps will result in legal action against wholesalers or retailers.