Dar RC warns against container fuel sales

DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM Regional Commissioner (RC) Albert Chalamila has issued a stern warning against the sale of fuel in containers, describing the practice as dangerous, illegal and contrary to national safety interests.

“We continue to strongly warn against the sale of fuel in containers. This practice, in most cases, does not serve the national interest,” he stressed while speaking to the media on Tuesday.

“Any dealer found continuing to sell fuel in containers will face stern legal action under national laws and Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) regulations.”

RC Chalamila said that the government remains committed to protecting public safety and ensuring that fuel distribution follows strict procedures.

The RC also directed all fuel stations in Dar es Salaam that were closed due to recent security threats to reopen immediately, in line with directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Forces.

“In executing the directives of the President and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Forces, all fuel stations that were temporarily closed due to security concerns must now reopen and start providing services,” he said.

“All motor vehicles and motorcycles should be able to obtain fuel without hindrance.”

He instructed the EWURA Eastern Zone to convene an emergency meeting with fuel station owners to reinforce regulations on safety and controlled fuel distribution.

RC Chalamila further announced the temporary suspension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services on the Morogoro Road corridor (BRT Phase 1) and the Mbagala route (BRT Phase 2), following damage to stations, gates and electronic ticketing systems during recent incidents.

“Due to the extensive damage to BRT infrastructure, services along these routes are temporarily halted. This suspension will allow a thorough assessment and restoration of the affected systems,” he explained.

To ease commuter challenges, he directed the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) to issue temporary permits to regular buses to service the affected routes.

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The RC confirmed that up-country transport from the Magufuli Bus Terminal has resumed, instructing Ubungo District authorities and security agencies to ensure smooth coordination from 4:00 pm onwards.

Ferry services across the city have also been ordered to resume immediately.

In a wider security measure, Mr Chalamila announced strict verification procedures for motorcycle (bodaboda) and three-wheeler (bajaji) operators.

“All motorcycles and threewheelers will undergo verification,” he declared.

“We will verify drivers’ licences, confirm residency in Dar es Salaam and confirm Tanzanian citizenship.”

Vehicles will also be checked for legal ownership and valid registration, with special identification cards issued to both riders and vehicle owners.

“No fuel station will be allowed to sell fuel to bodaboda or bajaji riders without them presenting their special ID,” he warned.

He urged operators’ associations to cooperate, noting that the process will be managed jointly by District Commissioners, Police and other security agencies.

On concerns over rising prices of essential goods, the RC confirmed that food supply trucks have been cleared to enter and exit the city under a monitored system.

“There have been price increases in some essential commodities, but food trucks are now permitted to enter the city and those leaving for up-country regions have also been cleared,” he said.

RC Chalamila assured residents that the government is taking firm steps to restore normalcy and maintain essential services across Dar es Salaam.

“The government remains committed to ensuring stability, safety and efficient service delivery,” he said, urging public cooperation with authorities.