Dodoma. The minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, on Tuesday April 7, 2026, convened a working session with institutions under the ministry of Energy responsible for petroleum affairs to review the country’s fuel supply situation and rising prices.
The meeting held here brought together senior officials from petroleum and gas institutions to examine a report prepared for submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals.
The report is scheduled to be presented to the committee on April 8.
The session followed a directive issued on April 1 by the Speaker of Parliament, Mussa Zungu, who instructed the minister to engage the parliamentary committee to address concerns over the continued rise in petroleum prices across the country.
Officials said the objective of the meeting was to assess developments in the petroleum sector and ensure that the ministry is adequately prepared to respond to questions from lawmakers regarding supply stability and price movements.
The working session was attended by the Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, and the Permanent Secretary responsible for Petroleum and Gas, James Mataragio, alongside technical experts and heads of petroleum-related institutions.
Prices revised on April 1
The meeting comes days after the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) announced new fuel price caps effective April 1, reflecting sharp increases across major urban centres.
Under the revised pricing structure, petrol in Dar es Salaam rose to about Sh3,820 per litre from Sh2,864 in March, while diesel climbed to Sh3,806 from Sh2,858. Kerosene also increased to Sh3,684 from Sh2,932 recorded in the previous month.
The adjustment represented an increase of more than 30 percent for petrol alone, placing additional pressure on transport operators, manufacturers and households already facing higher living costs.
Regulatory authorities attributed the rise to escalating international supply disruptions and increased operational costs within global oil markets.
Global tensions intensify pressure
Energy market analysts have linked the latest fuel price surge to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, which have disrupted oil production and shipping routes in the Middle East.
The closure and restriction of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor, has significantly reduced oil supply flows.
Nearly 20 percent of global oil shipments pass through the strait, making the region a critical artery for energy distribution worldwide.
International agencies warn that the current crisis ranks among the most severe in modern energy history, with oil markets experiencing sustained volatility and prices rising sharply amid uncertainty.
These global shocks have translated into higher import costs for countries dependent on petroleum imports, including Tanzania.
Domestic supply concerns
Officials noted that Tanzania remains heavily reliant on imported petroleum products, making it vulnerable to global price swings and supply disruptions.
According to Ewura data, the April adjustments were influenced by rising shipping insurance premiums, increased transportation costs and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, all of which contributed to higher landing costs for imported fuel.
Authorities have also highlighted that sustained pressure in global markets has forced regulators to adjust domestic price caps to maintain supply continuity while preventing shortages.
Government officials maintain that national fuel stocks remain stable despite the prevailing market volatility.
Parliamentary oversight
The upcoming presentation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals is expected to provide lawmakers with detailed insights into the current state of fuel availability, price movements and long-term supply security measures.
The directive from Mr Zungu followed growing public concern over rising transport costs and inflationary pressure linked to fuel price increases.
Parliamentary committees play a central oversight role in reviewing sectoral developments and ensuring that government institutions remain responsive to national economic challenges.
Officials indicated that the ministry’s report will include data on fuel import volumes, storage capacity and distribution performance across the country.
Measures to stabilise the sector
Government efforts to stabilise the petroleum supply chain have included expanding storage infrastructure and strengthening import logistics.
Authorities have been investing in fuel storage facilities to improve reserves and enhance resilience against supply disruptions.
Increased storage capacity allows the country to maintain buffer stocks during periods of market instability.
Energy sector officials have also encouraged efficient fuel usage among consumers to help mitigate the economic impact of rising prices.
At the policy level, authorities continue to explore diversification strategies, including expanded use of natural gas, to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Economic implications
Economists warn that sustained increases in fuel prices could affect multiple sectors of the economy, particularly transport, agriculture and manufacturing.
Fuel is a critical input in production and distribution chains, meaning that rising energy costs often translate into higher prices for goods and services.
Transport operators are among the most affected groups, as fuel accounts for a significant portion of operational expenses.
Any sustained increase in pump prices tends to drive up passenger fares and freight charges.
Industry observers note that the government’s ongoing consultations with Parliament signal heightened attention to the issue at the highest levels of policy making.
