Dodoma. The Tanzanian government has ordered immediate inspections of fuel storage facilities nationwide amid rising global fears that the escalating Iran crisis and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push oil prices higher and trigger artificial shortages.
The minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi directed the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) to intensify surveillance of petroleum depots and ensure that no trader hides fuel while waiting for prices to rise.
He issued the directive here in the city on March 23, 2026 during a meeting with institutions overseeing the petroleum sector.
The move comes as global oil markets react sharply to worsening conflict in the Middle East, particularly tensions involving Iran and its allies.
Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania holds strong fuel reserves and remains prepared to protect consumers from supply disruptions.
He assured citizens that the government has taken early steps to secure adequate stocks and maintain uninterrupted supply.
However, he warned that traders must not exploit the current international situation to manipulate local markets.
“Global fuel markets are unstable. In some countries prices have doubled due to supply disruptions,” he said.
He added; “We cannot allow traders to hide fuel or create artificial shortages while waiting for higher prices.”
The minister noted that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has intensified after threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
The narrow waterway carries about 20 percent of global oil shipments, making it a vital artery for international fuel supply.
Recent hostilities have led to attacks on vessels and energy facilities across the Gulf region.
Shipping traffic through the strait has declined sharply after repeated missile and drone strikes targeted merchant ships and oil infrastructure.
International reports indicate that Iran has warned it could completely shut the Strait of Hormuz if its energy facilities are attacked, raising fears of a severe global supply shock.
The crisis deepened further after strikes on major gas installations, including Iran’s vast South Pars gas field, which triggered retaliatory threats against regional energy infrastructure. The attacks have heightened fears of prolonged price volatility in global fuel markets.
Energy producers in Gulf countries have already adjusted operations due to security concerns and shipping disruptions.
Some liquefied natural gas facilities have temporarily scaled down production after missile debris struck near industrial complexes.
Analysts warn that such disruptions represent the largest energy supply shock in decades, with oil prices rising sharply as tanker traffic through the strait declines and exporters reduce output.
Against this volatile global backdrop, Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania must remain vigilant to prevent domestic shortages caused by speculation or hoarding.
To strengthen oversight, he ordered the formation of a special monitoring team to track fuel imports into the country.
The team will include experts from the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA), EWURA, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and national security agencies.
The minister said the team will monitor the movement of imported fuel from origin to delivery, ensuring that all contracted supplies arrive on time without diversion.
He warned that global instability has already created strong financial incentives for fuel diversion, especially in regions where prices have surged due to shortages.
Permanent Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Gas, James Mataragio, assured the public that Tanzania currently holds sufficient fuel reserves to last until July 2026.
He said the government had acted early to secure supply contracts and protect consumers from extreme price volatility caused by geopolitical tensions.
“Our institutions have worked closely to ensure fuel availability remains stable and affordable despite external pressures,” he said.
Earlier, PBPA Chief Executive Officer Erasto Simon confirmed that national stocks remain stable.
He reported that combined reserves within the country and shipments already en route include 474 million litres of petrol, enough for 78 days, 392 million litres of diesel sufficient for 50 days, and 55 million litres of aviation fuel, enough for 91 days.
TPDC Managing Director Mussa Makame said the government secured import agreements well in advance to guarantee continuity of supply despite global uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Ewura Director General, Dr James Andilile, said the domestic fuel market remains stable, with no abnormal price spikes recorded so far.
He noted that the regulator is working closely with fuel importers and retailers to prevent speculation linked to global tensions.
Authorities also acknowledged that attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region have increased uncertainty in international markets.
Reports indicate that missile strikes and drone attacks have targeted refineries, gas facilities and shipping terminals, worsening supply disruptions and driving up insurance and freight costs for oil shipments.
Economists warn that any prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have far-reaching consequences for global economies, potentially fuelling inflation and pushing fuel prices higher worldwide.
Such developments could eventually affect domestic pump prices, even in countries with adequate reserves, due to rising international procurement costs.
Despite these risks, the government maintained that Tanzania remains well positioned to withstand immediate supply shocks due to early procurement strategies and ongoing monitoring of global developments.
Mr Ndejembi emphasised that strict enforcement measures will continue to ensure market stability.
He reiterated that traders found hoarding fuel or manipulating supply in anticipation of higher prices will face severe penalties.
“Our responsibility is to protect consumers and maintain stable supply,” he said. “We will act firmly against anyone who attempts to exploit this global crisis for personal gain.”
