Tanzania: Fuel prices rise in October but remain well below 2026 peaks

Fuel prices in Tanzania have risen for October after three consecutive monthly reductions, as renewed tensions in the Middle East pushed up the global cost of refined petroleum products during September. Despite the increase, the country’s supply has held firm, and prices remain below the highs seen earlier in the year. The country’s prices also still compare favourably to others in the region.

 The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has raised the cap on petrol by 261 Tanzanian shillings (TZS) per litre and diesel by 209 TZS in Dar es Salaam, effective from 7 October. Petrol now costs up to 4,057 TZS per litre in the city and diesel 4,086 TZS. Kerosene has risen by 354 TZS to 4,067 TZS.

The retail prices for October per litre are as follows (TZS/litre):

EWURA has attributed the rise to renewed tensions in the Gulf, where Tanzania sources most of its fuel, which disrupted oil production and shipping worldwide in September. Every fuel-importing country in the region has faced the same pressure, with the impact felt most in inland markets where transport and distribution costs add to the price at the pump.

 Even so, Tanzania has come through more than seven months of disruption without the shortages and queues that many had feared. Its Bulk Procurement System, under which the country imports fuel as a single buyer rather than through dozens of smaller ones, gives it greater leverage on freight and premiums and a single delivery schedule that keeps costly vessel waiting times off Dar es Salaam to a minimum.

 Further investment is planned, including the proposed Tanga energy hub being developed with Uganda, which will create a second regional gateway alongside Dar es Salaam and link to new storage under construction at Mpigi, outside Kampala.

 EWURA said the Government continues to monitor global markets and is taking measures to safeguard supply and keep prices affordable. The published figures are maximum retail prices, and oil marketing companies remain free to sell below the cap to compete for customers provided they stay above the applicable floor price.

At the time of publication, petrol and diesel prices for Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are as follows (using Kenyan shillings as the benchmark):

Kenyans pay around 8–9% more than Tanzanians at the pump, Ugandans 9–15% more, and Rwandans close to 30% more.