Fuel Crisis: Tanzania Slashes Convoy, Directs Officials to Travel by Bus

Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Wednesday ordered government officials to travel in a single bus during official engagements as part of measures to cut fuel consumption amid rising costs.

The directive comes as fuel prices in the East African country have surged by about one-third since March, according to the national energy regulator.

Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed officials, the President announced that her official convoy would be significantly reduced, with only essential vehicles accompanying her movements.

Under the new arrangement, only her core convoy, comprising security escorts, police and a backup vehicle will remain, while other government officials are to travel together in a bus.

“From now on, wherever I go, all officials will travel together in one bus to cut fuel consumption,” she said.

The President’s convoy, which previously consisted of over 30 vehicles, including luxury SUVs and police outriders, has often caused major traffic disruptions during movements.

The development follows global supply challenges triggered by tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply flows.

The disruption has driven up global fuel prices, forcing several countries to adopt cost-saving and fuel rationing measures.