Fuel Prices Surge in Zanzibar: ZURA Details Causes

Fuel Price Surge in Zanzibar: ZURA Explains the Causes

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Zanzibar's Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (ZURA) has announced a significant rise in fuel prices, citing an increase in the costs associated with importing energy into the island.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Shara Othman Chande, the Acting Manager of ZURA's Public Relations Unit, explained that the price hike is a result of rising global market prices for petroleum products, compounded by a fluctuating exchange rate between the US dollar and the Tanzanian shilling.

According to ZURA’s announcement, the price of petrol will rise to Tsh 2,939 per litre, up from Tsh 2,819 last month, reflecting an increase of Tsh 120 or 4.25%. Diesel prices will also climb, with a litre now priced at Tsh 3,135, up from Tsh 2,945—an increase of Tsh 190 or 6.45%. Similarly, kerosene prices will rise by Tsh 77, from Tsh 2,423 to Tsh 2,500, marking a 3.17% increase. However, kerosene for aviation will remain unchanged at Tsh 3,200 per litre.

Chande noted that the price increase is primarily driven by the global surge in oil prices and the strengthened US dollar compared to the Tanzanian shilling. He further urged consumers to purchase fuel only from licensed stations and to request electronic receipts to avoid fraud and contribute to government revenue.

In response to these increases, Senior Inspector Ali Abdallah Ali remarked that, although fuel prices have risen, there has been a noticeable rise in average consumption. However, exact figures for this increase are not yet available. Ali reassured the public that the government has taken measures to ensure an adequate fuel supply during the upcoming Eid holidays, a time when fuel consumption tends to surge.

Some local residents have expressed concern over the timing of the fuel price hike, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Hajra Zahor, a resident of Magogoni, stated that the increase in fuel prices could also lead to higher costs for essential food items, which are in high demand during the fasting period. She urged the government to intervene and provide support to ease the economic burden on consumers.