Fuel Crisis: President Samia Urges Cost Cuts, Calm

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered immediate measures to cut fuel consumption in government institutions and urged citizens to remain calm as global oil supply disruptions drive up prices. 

Speaking at Chamwino State House after swearing in new leaders, she linked the crisis to tensions involving the U.S.-Israel vs Iran conflict, which have disrupted global oil supply chains. Despite this, she noted that Tanzania’s fuel prices remain relatively lower than in several neighbouring countries. 

To manage the situation, the President announced cost-cutting steps, including reducing government vehicle convoys and introducing shared transport for officials. She directed ministries, departments, and agencies to adopt similar efficiency measures, emphasizing reduced travel and better resource use. 

She also warned traders against exploiting the situation by raising prices of goods already in stock. While acknowledging that newly imported goods may cost more due to higher transport expenses, she urged fairness toward citizens. 

On the global outlook, she said conditions in key oil transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz were improving, offering hope for stabilization, though the situation remains fragile. 

The President called for patience and resilience, stressing that the crisis is global, not a domestic policy failure, and reaffirmed the need for peace to restore normal trade flows. 

(Source: Daily News)