Tanzania’s President Orders Officials to Travel by Bus Amid Fuel Shortages

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed government officials to travel together in a single bus during official trips as part of measures to cut down fuel consumption amid severe shortages in the country. The directive was issued on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony for new officials. President Hassan announced that, going forward, all accompanying officials would ride in one bus, while only her core convoy, including escort, police, and a backup vehicle would remain in the motorcade. “From now on, wherever I go, all officials will travel together in one bus... to cut fuel consumption,” she said. Hassan’s usual presidential entourage typically consists of more than 30 vehicles, including luxury SUVs and police outriders, which often cause major traffic disruptions. The fuel crisis has been triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, a critical route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes. As a result, fuel prices in Tanzania have soared by approximately one-third since March, according to the country’s energy regulator. The move aligns with similar austerity measures in the region. Last week, the Ethiopian government announced it would prioritise fuel for vehicles carrying essential goods and those in the public transport sector. President Hassan’s order is seen as a symbolic and practical step to demonstrate leadership in conserving scarce resources during the global energy crunch.

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