Samia Cuts Convoy to 3 Vehicles, Directs Govt Officials to Use Buses

Michael Owino 12 hours ago

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced new measures to reduce fuel consumption in government operations, including cutting down her official convoy and instructing state officials to use shared transport.

This comes as the ongoing Middle East crisis and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to strain global fuel supply and drive up prices.

In a statement issued by the State House in Dodoma on April 8, 2026, President Suluhu said officials accompanying her on official trips will now be required to travel in buses as part of efforts to lower fuel usage and operational costs.

“My convoy will consist of my vehicle, the police escort, and a backup vehicle; all other officials will travel together in a bus so that we reduce fuel consumption,” she said, urging public institutions to adopt similar steps.

Suluhu Cuts Convoy to 3 Vehicles Amid Rising Fuel Concerns

The President also extended the directive to ministries and other government institutions, instructing them to adopt similar measures to curb fuel consumption.

She made the remarks at State House in Chamwino, Dodoma, during the swearing-in of newly appointed leaders, including Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, Dr. Festo Dugange, Reuben Kwagilwa, and Court of Appeal Judge Gerson Mdemu.

President Samia linked the directive to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which she said has disrupted global fuel markets and driven up prices.

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Warning to traders

According to the Head of State, several countries have already been forced to scale down fuel-dependent economic activities due to soaring costs.

Despite the global pressures, she noted that Tanzania remains relatively stable in terms of fuel availability and pricing compared to many other nations.

She further assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that the country currently holds fuel reserves sufficient to last about three months.

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At the same time, President Samia cautioned traders against exploiting the situation by arbitrarily increasing the prices of goods, particularly those already in stock.

Her administration, she said, will remain vigilant to ensure that consumers are not unfairly burdened during the period of rising global fuel prices.

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