Hassan Magulumali
The Tanzanian government has announced measures aimed at reducing the time oil tankers spend at ports as part of efforts to improve efficiency in the receipt, storage and distribution of petroleum products across the country.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Oil and Gas, Dr James Mataragio, announced the measures during an inspection tour of petroleum infrastructure at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and Tanzania International Petroleum Reserves Limited (TIPER) in Dar es Salaam on August 14, 2026.
Dr Mataragio said the government wants oil tankers arriving in Tanzania to receive services promptly, discharge their cargo efficiently and leave the port without unnecessary delays.
“It is the government’s expectation that ships arrive, discharge their oil and leave. Every institution must understand its responsibility and make the necessary preparations,” he said.
He identified slow oil reception and evacuation at some privately owned storage facilities as one of the factors contributing to prolonged tanker stays at the port.
According to Dr Mataragio, delays at private facilities can force vessels to remain at the port for longer periods, contributing to congestion and increasing operational costs.
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He therefore directed the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) to strengthen oversight of private storage facility operators and ensure they maintain infrastructure capable of meeting operational requirements.
Dr Mataragio said storage facility owners should upgrade pumps and other equipment used to receive petroleum products, particularly where the equipment has become outdated, worn out or lacks the required capacity.
He warned that prolonged vessel stays at ports increase operating expenses, including vessel waiting charges, which could eventually contribute to higher petroleum prices for consumers.
The Permanent Secretary said improving efficiency throughout the petroleum supply chain was therefore important not only for reducing congestion at ports but also for controlling costs associated with the importation and distribution of fuel.
Meanwhile, PBPA Chief Executive Officer Erasto Simon said the agency would engage key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including oil marketing companies (OMCs) and TPA, to review and improve the Standard Operating Procedure Manual governing petroleum handling operations.
He said the review would seek to clearly define the responsibilities of each stakeholder, establish implementation timelines and strengthen accountability throughout the process of receiving and transferring petroleum products.
The initiative is expected to improve coordination among institutions involved in petroleum operations and help ensure that imported fuel is handled more efficiently from the point of arrival through storage and onward distribution.
