Joseph Isangura
Consumers of petroleum products in Tanzania are starting the new year of 2025 with good news, as the prices of fuel products have continued to decline into January.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has confirmed that fuel prices have dropped across the country, providing relief to citizens after several months of high costs.
According to a statement from EWURA, the price of petrol has decreased by TZS 105 per litre, diesel by TZS 135, and kerosene by TZS 15 at the Dar es Salaam Port when compared to the prices of December 2024. These reductions are welcomed by consumers, especially in light of the continued challenges of rising costs of living.
For fuel received at the Tanga Port, petrol has also dropped by TZS 105 per litre, diesel by TZS 136, and kerosene by TZS 135. The Mtwara Port recorded a smaller reduction in fuel prices, with petrol falling by TZS 42 per litre, diesel by TZS 129, and kerosene by TZS 157.
This price reduction is attributed to the strengthening of the Tanzanian shilling against foreign currencies, particularly the dollar, which is used for purchasing imported fuel. The average exchange rate has improved by 11.27%, helping to lower the cost of fuel imports and, consequently, reduce prices.
This marks the continuation of a trend that began in September 2024, when the prices of petroleum products began to steadily decrease. The sustained drop in fuel prices has come as a welcome development for both consumers and businesses in Tanzania, who have faced the financial strain of high fuel prices for several months.
The ongoing reduction in fuel prices is expected to have a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy, from transportation to manufacturing, making goods and services more affordable for the general population.
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Experts have also noted that this drop in prices could lead to a reduction in inflationary pressures, which have been exacerbated by the high cost of fuel. As transportation costs make up a significant portion of household expenses, cheaper fuel is likely to provide some financial relief to families across the country.
As the year unfolds, many Tanzanians are hopeful that this trend will continue, especially with the ongoing efforts to stabilize the exchange rate and ensure that fuel prices remain affordable. However, continued monitoring of global oil prices and exchange rates will be crucial to maintaining this stability.
This price relief is not only a victory for consumers but also a sign of Tanzania’s resilience in the face of global economic challenges. It remains to be seen how long these positive trends will persist, but for now, the citizens of Tanzania can enjoy the benefits of lower fuel costs as they start the year with optimism.
