Fuel prices drop in Tanzania as EWURA announces July 2026 price caps

BY DIRAMAKINI

TANZANIA'S Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has announced a reduction in petroleum fuel price caps effective July 1, 2026, following a decline in global oil prices driven by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by Acting Director General Gerald M. Maganga, EWURA said the recent agreement between the United States and Iran regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, coupled with the reopening of oil tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz, has contributed to falling international oil prices.

The regulator also noted that global oil refiners have diversified their crude oil sourcing by purchasing more supplies from conflict-free regions to ensure stable production and distribution. However, average international oil prices remain above the levels recorded before the conflict began in late February 2026.

As a result of the global price decline, Tanzania's domestic fuel prices will decrease by TSh96 per litre for petrol, TSh151 per litre for diesel, and TSh242 per litre for kerosene.

Under the new price caps, which take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2026, the maximum retail prices in Dar es Salaam will be TSh3,990 per litre for petrol, TSh4,182 for diesel, and TSh4,443 for kerosene.

In Tanga, the maximum retail prices have been set at TSh4,051 for petrol, TSh4,243 for diesel, and TSh4,504 for kerosene per litre, while in Mtwara, the prices will be TSh4,083 for petrol, TSh4,275 for diesel, and TSh4,536 for kerosene.

EWURA has directed all petroleum retailers and wholesalers to comply strictly with the newly announced price caps, warning that legal action will be taken against any operator found charging above the approved limits.

The Authority also reminded consumers that they can verify fuel price caps in their respective locations free of charge by dialing *152*00# on any mobile network in Tanzania.

According to EWURA, Tanzania's petroleum pricing system continues to operate under market competition as stipulated in the Petroleum Act, 2015, with the regulator setting maximum and minimum price thresholds to safeguard consumer interests while promoting fair competition.

Furthermore, all fuel stations have been instructed to display fuel prices prominently and issue Electronic Fiscal Pump Printer (EFPP) receipts for every transaction. The receipts serve as proof of purchase in case of complaints regarding overpricing or fuel quality and also support government revenue collection.

EWURA has encouraged motorists and other consumers to purchase fuel from stations offering competitive prices within the approved limits, a move expected to strengthen competition and improve transparency in the country's petroleum market.