Relief as fuel prices drop in Tanzania

 

By 

Bethsheba Wambura

Reporter

Mwananchi Communication Ltd

Summary

·         These price changes are due to changes in petroleum prices in the global market, transportation costs and the value of the shilling compared to the US dollar

Dar es Salaam. Motorists in Tanzania on Wednesday, April 5, started to enjoy some relief after pump prices of petrol and diesel imported through Dar es Salaam port dropped by Sh187 and Sh284  per litre respectively.

These price changes are due to changes in petroleum prices in the global market, transportation costs and the value of the shilling compared to the US dollar.

According to the new cap prices published by Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) kerosene imported through the port has dropped by Sh169 per litre compared the prices that were published on March 1, 2023.

With the new rates, in Dar es Salaam motorists will buy petrol at Sh2,781 per litre, diesel  Sh2,847 and kerosene Sh2,929  per litre respectively.

The most expensive selling point remains Kyerwa distric in Kagera region where petrol now costs Sh3, 019, diesel Sh3 ,084 and kerosene Sh3,167.

Ewura says for Northern regions namely Arusha, Tanga, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara, retail prices of petrol and diesel for April 2023 have decreased by Sh158per litre and Sh231 per litre, respectively compared to the prices that were published on previous month.

Furthermore the statement indicates that due to depletion of kerosene at Tanga storage terminal, Petrol Station Operators in the Northern regions are advised to source kerosene from Dar es Salaam.

“Therefore, the retail prices of kerosene for those regions are based on the cost of the product received through Dar es Salaam port and the transport cost to the respective regions,” the statement said.

For Southern regions of Lindi, Mtwara, and Ruvuma, retail prices of petrol and diesel for April 2023 decreased by Sh220 per litre and Sh176 per litre, respectively compared to the prices that were published on March 1. 

Due to the drop of prices of the fuel, petroleum and diesel in those regions will be sold at Sh2, 781 and Sh2,847 per litre respectively.

“Due to lack of kerosene at Mtwara storage terminals, Petrol Station Operators in the Southern regions are advised to source kerosene from Dar es Salaam. Therefore, the retail prices of kerosene for those regions are based on the cost of the product received through Dar es Salaam port and the transport cost to the respective regions,” Ewura advises.

In that statement, Ewura Director General, Dr James Mwainyekule noted that the difference in price from one place to another is due to the difference in the port where the fuel is taken and the cost of transportation.