Dar es Salaam. As the sun rose on January 1, 2025, a palpable sense of optimism filled the air across Tanzania.
Citizens nationwide buzzed with excitement over a decrease in petroleum prices for fifth time in a row, thanks to the latest shipments received through the ports of Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara.
This welcome news promised relief for many, as families and businesses looked forward to more affordable transportation and energy costs in the new year.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) announced the new prices early that morning, bringing joy to many.
In Dar es Salaam, petrol prices fell by Sh105 to Sh2,793 per liter, diesel decreased by Sh135 to Sh2,644, and kerosene saw a drop of Sh15, now priced at Sh2,676.
For Tanga, petrol also dropped by Sh105 to Sh2,800 per liter, diesel decreased by Sh136 to Sh2,656, and kerosene dropped by Sh135 to Sh2,722.
In Mtwara, petrol prices fell by Sh42 to Sh2,866, diesel dropped by Sh129 to Sh2,716, and kerosene decreased by Sh157 to Sh2,748.
This marked a continuation of a downward trend that had persisted for five months, beginning in September 2024.
Mariam Khamis, a single mother of two living in Dar es Salaam, felt a wave of relief wash over her as she filled her small car with petrol at a local station.
“This will make a difference,” she thought, recalling the days when even a short trip to the market felt like a financial burden.
With the new prices, she hoped to save enough for her children’s school supplies.
In Tanga, local business owners like Amani Adam, who ran a small bakery, were equally excited.
“Lower fuel costs will help us all,” he said, envisioning how he could reduce delivery fees without increasing his prices.
His bakery had become a community favorite, and Amani was eager to keep it that way.
The prospect of more customers and steady profits brightened his outlook for the coming year.
Meanwhile, in Mtwara, Fatuma Suleiman, who sold fresh produce at the market, anticipated an increase in foot traffic as transportation costs dropped.
“People will come out more, and that’s good for all of us,” she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
The community was ready to embrace the new year, buoyed by the promise of more affordable living.
As news of the price changes spread, citizens across all three ports flocked to fuel stations, their spirits lifted by the prospect of financial relief.
Posters displayed prominently at each station outlined the new prices, ensuring transparency and competition among various oil marketing companies.
Consumers were encouraged to choose stations that not only offered competitive prices but also better service.
Dr James Mwainyekule, the Director General of EWURA, emphasized the significance of these changes in a statement released on Wednesday (today).
He explained that the adjustments were driven by the strengthening value of the Tanzanian shilling against foreign currencies and ongoing efforts to stabilize the petroleum market.
For many, this was not just a number on a board; it symbolized hope and the possibility of a better year ahead.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the three cities, the people of Tanzania took a moment to reflect.
They had faced challenges in some months of the past year, but with every new dawn came fresh opportunities.
With the promise of lower fuel prices, 2025 was shaping up to be a year of growth and resilience.
And so, the people celebrated not just the arrival of a new year, but the hope that came with it—a hope fueled by the small, yet significant, changes in their daily lives.
