Tanzania tries to save fuel through vehicle reduction

Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan is reducing the amount of luxury and official vehicles in a bid to cut fuel amid fuel depletions within Africa.

Her move is part of a series of steps announced by a number of African governments to tackle fuel shortages and increasing costs, according to Africanews via AP on April 9th.

Many countries in Africa have already taken firm measures to reduce fuel consumption. And the international community has become increasingly aware of the effect the Iran war has had on energy markets. 

In January, it was reported that Mali has suffered from fuel shortages and as a result has had to cancel flights, with Air Burkina, Sky Mali, and Corsair declaring fuel issues at Bamako airport. Zambia has declared a fuel supply emergency with the government reportedly aiming to stabilise supplies and prioritise critical services. Madagascar is also in a state of emergency over fuel. 

On April 8th, the Tanzanian president said: “From today, whenever I travel, the officers accompanying me will use consolidated transport in small buses to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs during this period.” This reflects a major shift, as previously, Hassan’s convoys consisted of many luxury vehicles transporting security and government personnel. 

A video had previously circulated online showing Hassan’s convoy, which is made up of 30 cars, prompting discussions about presidential convoys within the African continent. Reportedly, the Tanzanian president’s motorcades are among the longest in Africa.  

Hassan has said that fuel reserves in her country could last for up to three months but warned businesses against increasing prices.

The cost of fuel has increased by $0.40 per litre during a fortnight, because of the Iran war and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Africanews via AP, Maghrebi.org