Dar es Salaam. In the bustling heart of Dar es Salaam, a city that hums with the rhythm of commerce and daily life, a ripple of good news spread quickly through the streets.
On the morning of December 4, 2024, the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) made an announcement that would bring welcome relief to the residents and businesses of Tanzania’s largest city: a reduction in fuel prices.
It was a sign of hope, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on transportation, agriculture, and industries that rely on the fluctuating cost of fuel.
Despite the rising premiums for imported fuel, which caused the cost of bringing petrol, diesel, and kerosene into Dar es Salaam to increase significantly—petrol by 7.26 percent, diesel by 12.8 percent, and kerosene by 7.1 percent—EWURA managed to defy the odds by reducing fuel prices.
The retail prices for these essential fuels were being slashed, marking a significant drop that was both surprising and much-needed.
For the people of Dar es Salaam, this meant a lighter burden at the fuel pump.
Petrol, which had been priced at Sh2943 per litre just the month before, now dropped to Sh2,898.
Diesel saw a similar relief, falling from Sh2,844 to Sh2779 per litre. Kerosene, a vital resource for households and businesses alike, dropped even further, from Sh2943 to Sh2831 per litre.
This announcement came at a crucial time. As the festive season approached, families and businesses were looking for any sign of easing in the pressures of daily life.
The price cut not only helped lower the cost of transport but also alleviated the financial strain on businesses that rely heavily on fuel.
It was a move that showed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Tanzanians, whether they were shopkeepers, farmers, or commuters, could continue to thrive despite global economic challenges.
But the announcement wasn’t just about numbers; it was about trust.
EWURA had instructed oil companies to ensure that prices would not exceed the maximum allowed or fall below the minimum set by the authority, in line with the 2022 Petroleum Price setting regulations.
This commitment to fair pricing provided an added layer of assurance for Tanzanians, who could now be certain that they were paying a fair price for their fuel.
As the day unfolded, the news was shared across social media, whispered in offices, and discussed in homes.
In Dar es Salaam, where every litre of fuel counts, the reduction in prices felt like a small victory.
It was a reminder that even in the face of rising costs and uncertainty, there was still room for solutions that benefited the people, and that those in charge were listening and responding to the needs of the nation.
The city continued its usual pace, but with a bit more ease, as the new fuel prices offered a flicker of hope that change, while often slow, could indeed come when it was most needed.
