Tanzania grapples with rising fuel costs as Hormuz disruptions continue
A sharp rise in fuel prices is disrupting daily life in Tanzania, as global energy shocks push up the cost of transport and basic goods across the country.
Residents say the surge has made everyday expenses increasingly unaffordable. “For those of us who rely on transportation, things have become very difficult,” said Ester William Lazaro. “I used to spend 500 shillings to travel within town, but now the cost has increased significantly.” She added that food prices had also risen steeply, noting that vegetables that once cost a few hundred shillings now sell for nearly three times as much.
Tanzania, which imports nearly all of its fuel, is particularly vulnerable to global price swings. Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi said petrol prices rose by 69% between February and March 2026, while diesel jumped by 104%, with kerosene and jet fuel also seeing sharp increases.
Economist Kelvin Mouris pointed to the potential of natural gas and electric vehicles to reduce costs, but noted that infrastructure gaps remain a challenge despite Tanzania’s large gas reserves.
The government has introduced measures to stabilise supply, including building fuel reserves to cover at least three months. The price surge is linked to disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
