Fuel prices increase by Sh27 in Tanzania

Tanzanians are feeling a financial pinch, after fuel prices in the East African Nation went up by 17%.

The increase has reportedly, largely been caused by shortage of the United States (US) dollar in Tanzania.

According to James Mwainyekule, Director General, Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) in Tanzania, the dollar shortage has caused shortage in petroleum products, affectingna prices.

"Changes in prices of petroleum products in August 2023 are mainly due to challenges in the availability of US Dollars and changes in the fuel levy, prices of petroleum products in the world market, and premiums in the importation of petroleum products," he said, as quoted by Citizen Newspaper in Tanzania.

A litre of petrol is retailing at Sh3,199 (Ksh.186.46) from Sh2,736 (Ksh.159).

Diesel has also increased to Sh2,935 (Ksh.171) a litre, from Sh2,544 (Ksh.148), while kerosene is retailing at Sh2,829 (Ksh.164.89) a litre.

However, the new prices in Tanzania are way below the rates in Kenya.

A litre of petrol is currently retailing at Sh194, Sh179 for a litre of diesel and Sh169 for kerosene in Kenya.