Tanzania seeks to strengthen fuel supply chains amid Iranian energy crisis

Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, has issued a directive to the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) to accelerate the offloading and distribution of fuel across the country.

This order seeks to ensure that all major storage depots receive petroleum products promptly to maintain national energy stability.

Mr Ndejembi delivered these instructions on March 26, 2026 during a session that included leaders from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) and the Tanzania International Petroleum Reserves Limited (TIPER).

Mr Ndejembi emphasised the need for a robust sequencing system for offloading fuel.

Such a mechanism will ensure that all large-scale distribution depots receive supplies fairly and on schedule.

This measure is intended to resolve localized shortages and streamline the flow of energy products to the various regions of Tanzania.

The government has also reached an agreement to fast-track the discharging of oil tankers, particularly those carrying products for domestic consumption.

The current intervention comes as the global energy market faces significant volatility due to an escalating crisis in Iran.

A conflict involving the United States and Israel has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

This critical maritime corridor handles approximately 20 per cent of the world's oil supply.

 Consequently, Brent crude prices have surged past $100 per barrel, creating an environment of severe uncertainty for oil-importing nations.

Tanzania has already implemented several strategic steps to cushion its economy from these external shocks.

The government recently formed a joint task force comprising experts from Ewura, PBPA, and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to track fuel shipments in real-time.

This oversight prevents the diversion of contracted cargo to more profitable markets during periods of global scarcity.

Furthermore, the Tanzania Ports Authority is expanding storage capacity at Kigamboni to increase the nation's strategic petroleum reserves.

Mr Ndejembi urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying.

He assured the nation that Tanzania currently holds sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand.

Ewura has been tasked with monitoring all depots to ensure that fuel is released to the market and not withheld by traders anticipating further price hikes.

The government remains committed to leveraging its Bulk Procurement System to manage domestic pump prices despite the mounting international pressures.