Tanzania Fuel Prices Rise, Petrol Hits US$1.53 a Litre

On 7 October, Tanzania raised fuel prices, with petrol in Dar es Salaam reaching US$1.53 per litre. This move highlights how tensions in the Middle East are affecting fuel costs, freight charges, and safari budgets across East Africa. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), the country's fuel, electricity, natural gas, and water regulator, announced the new price caps on October 6.

The new caps apply to mainland Tanzania, while Zanzibar sets its own fuel prices. In Dar es Salaam, the largest city, diesel is capped at US$1.54 per litre, and kerosene at US$1.54. Compared to September, petrol prices rose by US$0.10, diesel by US$0.08, and kerosene by a significant US$0.13, or 9.5%. Port cities like Tanga and Mtwara also saw price increases, with petrol caps at US$1.56 to US$1.58 and diesel at US$1.57 to US$1.59.

For Americans, the Dar es Salaam petrol cap equates to about US$5.80 per gallon. EWURA linked the price hike to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted oil production, supply, and shipping in September, leading to a sharp increase in world fuel prices. The rise brings Dar es Salaam petrol prices to about 47% higher than in October 2025, when they were capped at US$1.04.

Diesel, the fuel most used by trucks and buses, is about 51% more expensive than in October 2025, reaching US$1.02. Despite being below this year's peak prices set in May, the new caps still represent an increase. EWURA attributes earlier price peaks to the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.

The government previously subsidised diesel by US$0.10 and US$0.20 per litre in May and June, respectively. The regulator publishes new fuel price caps every month, and Tanzania's fuel prices can change monthly. Retailers can sell below the cap but never above it, and not below a minimum price set by EWURA's pricing rules. Stations must display prices clearly on visible boards and provide receipts from electronic fiscal pump printers.

Drivers can check their town's fuel cap by dialing *152*00# on any mobile network. The highest fuel prices are in northern Tanzania, with Kyerwa at US$1.65 per litre for petrol and US$1.66 for diesel. Arusha, a popular safari gateway, has petrol capped at US$1.58 per litre and diesel at US$1.59. In northern Tanzania's regions like Tanga and Morogoro, the price increases were smaller, at US$0.09.

For American tourists, higher diesel prices will impact long road trips and safari tours in Tanzania. Higher fuel costs can affect Tanzania's economy, as fuel is a major import that drives transport and food prices. Tanzania's fuel prices may rise again if Middle East tensions persist. The next fuel price caps are due in early November, and the impact on bus fares remains unclear.