TRA introduces new procedures for fuel distribution

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has assured the public that there is no shortage of fuel in the country and that reported challenges are not due to supply issues.

The authority has also introduced new procedures to strengthen fuel sales monitoring and prevent fraud.

TRA Commissioner General, Mr Yusuph Mwenda said the authority is now providing 24-hour services at fuel depots, ensuring uninterrupted access while maintaining strict oversight.

He made the remarks yesterday during a visit to fuel storage depots in Dar es Salaam, including Camel Oil, Mount Meru and Moil Energies.

“Just as the government has confirmed, there is enough fuel in Tanzania. We urge all service providers to follow the established fuel sales procedures to ensure efficiency and transparency,” Mwenda said.

He added that depot operators must cooperate with TRA to guarantee roundthe-clock services, facilitating smooth fuel distribution nationwide.

A new taxation system has also been introduced, requiring fuel for vehicles to be taxed before domestic sale, with exported fuel strictly monitored to prevent tax evasion. TRA Customs Commissioner, Mr Juma Hassan, explained that the measure will reduce fraud and enable proper tax collection.

“Domestic fuel will now be taxed before sale and exports will follow proper procedures to ensure no fuel is returned without paying taxes,” he emphasised.

Depot managers welcomed the initiative, saying the new system ensures fair distribution and prevents pilferage.

Supervisor at Mount Meru depot, Omari Yusufu confirmed that every shipment leaves the depot for its intended destination.

Moil Energies Manager, Sajad Habib Rai said that their depots have sufficient fuel and that they operate transparently, serving all vendors fairly.

Camel Oil’s Storage and Distribution Manager, Omary Abeid said they maintain adequate reserves and ensure equitable sales, adding that quotas are managed based on prior orders to ensure all vendors receive their share.

The TRA initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency and fairness in the distribution of fuel across Tanzania, ensuring the country’s energy supply remains secure and reliable.

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Speaking last week during a visit to fuel depots in Dar es Salaam, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy in charge of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr James Mataragio, said Tanzania has taken proactive measures to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply by securing additional reserves for future use.

He said the current stock is sufficient to meet demand through July 2026, while the newly procured supply will cover requirements from August onwards.

“As you may have seen in recent media reports, the minister has reassured the public about the country’s fuel supply. Tanzania currently has sufficient reserves to last until around July,” Dr Mataragio said.

He added: “Furthermore, we have already ordered additional fuel and we continue to make every effort to ensure sufficient supply even beyond that period.”

He explained that Tanzania previously relied heavily on fuel imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz and several Middle Eastern countries, which are now affected by ongoing conflicts, damaged refineries and targeted infrastructure. India, another key supplier, has also faced crude oil supply challenges, contributing to potential shortages.

The purpose of the visit, Dr Mataragio said, was to personally verify stock levels and examine distribution processes to ensure fuel reaches service stations on time.

“We are aware of complaints about some stations not receiving fuel promptly and reports of delays in loading tankers. Our aim is to ensure that fuel is not only sufficient but also dispatched efficiently,” he added.