Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has directed government officials to travel in a single bus during official trips to cut fuel consumption, as rising global oil prices strain the country’s economy.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony, where the President announced a major change to the traditionally large and costly presidential convoy.
“From now on, wherever I go, all officials will travel together in one bus… to cut fuel consumption,” Hassan said.
Under the new arrangement, only essential vehicles—her official car, security escorts, police and a backup vehicle—will be allowed in the presidential motorcade.
This marks a sharp shift from the usual convoy, which often includes more than 30 vehicles and has long drawn criticism for excess and traffic disruption.
The move comes as Tanzania grapples with a sharp rise in fuel prices. According to the country’s energy regulator, prices have increased by about one-third since March, driven largely by global supply disruptions.
At the centre of the crisis is tension in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Disruptions in the area have tightened supply and pushed up prices worldwide, affecting fuel-dependent economies like Tanzania.
Across Africa, governments are beginning to take emergency measures. In neighboring Ethiopia, authorities recently announced fuel rationing, prioritizing vehicles transporting essential goods and public transport vehicles.
