This assurance was delivered by the Permanent Secretary responsible for Petroleum and Gas at the Ministry of Energy, James Mataragio, during a detailed press briefing outlining the current status of fuel availability in the country, as well as measures being undertaken to mitigate potential shortages and price fluctuations.
Speaking to members of the press, Dr. Mataragio emphasized that Tanzania currently holds adequate fuel reserves across all major categories—petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel—and that the government has strategically planned imports and contractual agreements to ensure continuity of supply for at least two to three months.
Petrol Supply Remains Strong
Providing a breakdown of petrol availability, Dr. Mataragio noted that Tanzania currently has 95,256,342 liters of petrol stored in local tanks, with an additional 1,466,337 liters already received in the country. Furthermore, 138,737,332 liters are currently in transit via maritime shipments.
This brings the total available petrol supply to 380,677,011 liters, which is sufficient to meet national demand for approximately 61 days.
He further revealed that the government has already secured additional petrol supplies through contractual agreements with suppliers. These contracts cover a total of 183,500,450 liters, expected to arrive in April. When combined with the current stock and incoming shipments, Tanzania’s petrol reserves will rise to 563,682,461 liters, enough to sustain the
country for approximately 91 days.
Dr. Mataragio emphasized that this level of preparedness demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring energy security and shielding the economy from sudden disruptions.
Diesel Availability Also Stable
On diesel, which plays a crucial role in transportation, agriculture, and industrial activities, Dr. Mataragio provided equally reassuring figures.
Currently, Tanzania holds 55,744,397 liters of diesel in storage tanks, while 122,893,285 liters have already been received. In addition, 184,662,480 liters are on the way via sea shipments.
This results in a total available diesel supply of 362,433,845 liters, which can sustain national consumption for approximately 44 days.
Moreover, the government has secured additional diesel through contracts totaling 167,321,343 liters. When these supplies are factored in, the total diesel availability rises to 530,621,505 liters, sufficient for about 64 days of use.
Dr. Mataragio highlighted that diesel is a critical component of Tanzania’s economic engine, and the government is closely monitoring both supply chains and consumption patterns to avoid any potential disruptions.
Adequate Aviation Fuel Reserves
The aviation sector, which is vital for tourism, trade, and international connectivity, has also been safeguarded. According to Dr. Mataragio, Tanzania currently has 35,241,028 liters of aviation fuel stored in tanks, along with 23,779,725 liters secured through contracts.
This brings the total aviation fuel supply to 59,020,753 liters, enough to meet demand for approximately 97 days.
This level of preparedness ensures that airline operations will continue uninterrupted, supporting both domestic and international travel, as well as cargo logistics.
Global Context: Impact of Middle East Conflict
Despite the stable domestic situation, Dr. Mataragio cautioned that global developments—particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—are exerting pressure on international oil markets.
The Middle East remains one of the world’s most significant oil-producing regions, and any instability in the area often leads to disruptions in supply chains, increased shipping risks, and higher insurance and transportation costs. These factors, in turn, contribute to rising global oil prices.
As the conflict continues, we anticipate upward pressure on fuel prices due to increased costs in the global oil market,” Dr. Mataragio stated.
He explained that while Tanzania has taken proactive steps to secure sufficient fuel volumes, the country is still part of the global energy ecosystem, meaning international price trends inevitably influence domestic pricing.
Government Measures to Mitigate Risks
To cushion citizens and businesses from the adverse effects of global fuel price volatility, the Tanzanian government has implemented several strategic measures.
These include:
Diversification of supply sources to reduce reliance on any single region or supplier
Advance procurement and storage planning to maintain buffer stocks
Strengthening contractual agreements with international suppliers to ensure timely deliveries
Continuous monitoring of global market trends to inform policy decisions
Dr. Mataragio emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing national energy security and resilience.
Economic Implications
Stable fuel supply is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economic stability. Fuel affects nearly every sector, including transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Any disruption in supply or sharp increase in prices can have ripple effects across the economy, leading to higher costs of goods and services.
By maintaining adequate reserves and forward-planning procurement, the government aims to minimize such risks and ensure that economic activities continue without interruption.
Public Reassurance
Dr. Mataragio concluded his remarks by reassuring the public that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding fuel shortages.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring that fuel remains available across the country. Our current stocks, incoming shipments, and secured contracts provide a strong buffer against any short-term disruptions,” he said.
He also urged stakeholders, including fuel distributors and consumers, to avoid panic buying or hoarding, noting that such behavior could create artificial shortages and disrupt the supply chain.
Looking Ahead
As global uncertainties persist, Tanzania’s proactive approach to fuel management positions the country relatively well compared to many others facing similar challenges.
However, authorities remain vigilant, continuously assessing both domestic consumption patterns and international developments to ensure timely interventions when necessary.
In the coming months, attention will likely focus on how global oil prices evolve and how effectively Tanzania can sustain its current level of preparedness. For now, the message from the Ministry of Energy is clear: fuel supply is stable, systems are in place, and the country is prepared to navigate global uncertainties.
