Relief for motorists at the pump as fuel prices drop in December

Dar es Salaam. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) has announced a reduction in fuel prices for products imported into the country through various ports, effective Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

According to a statement from Ewura, despite an increase in the average cost of importing fuel (Premiums) — rising by 7.26 percent for petrol, 12.8 percent for diesel, and 7.1 percent for kerosene at the Dar es Salaam Port — the retail prices have still dropped.

At the Tanga Port, no price changes were recorded, but the cost of petrol increased by an average of 15.6 percent. Similarly, there were no changes to diesel prices at the Mtwara Port.

The latest Ewura statement shows that retail prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene imported through the Dar es Salaam Port have dropped by 1.5 percent, 2.3 percent, and 3.9 percent, respectively.

As a result, the price of one liter of petrol will now be Sh2,898, down from Sh2,943 in November 2024. Diesel will cost Sh2,779, down from Sh2,844, and kerosene will be sold for Sh2,831, down from Sh2,943.

At the Tanga Port, the new retail prices are Sh2,905 for petrol, Sh2,792 for diesel, and Sh2,877 for kerosene per liter. These are lower than the November 2024 prices of Sh2,948 for petrol, Sh2,855 for diesel, and Sh2,989 for kerosene.

For consumers using fuel from the Mtwara Port, the prices will be Sh2,908 for petrol (down from Sh3,015), Sh2,851 for diesel (down from Sh2,916), and Sh2,903 for kerosene (down from Sh3,016).

Ewura has instructed oil companies to maintain competitive pricing, ensuring that prices do not exceed the maximum allowed or fall below the minimum set by the authority, as outlined in the 2022 Petroleum Price Setting Regulations.

In addition, Ewura has mandated that all fuel stations clearly display their prices on visible signage, showing not only the price per liter but also any discounts or commercial incentives offered.

“Where possible, customers are encouraged to purchase fuel from stations that offer the lowest prices to promote competition. It is illegal to sell fuel without visible price signage,” the Ewura statement, signed by Director General Dr. James Mwainyekule, emphasized.

Stations failing to comply with these regulations will face penalties. Fuel retailers are also required to issue receipts from Electronic Fiscal Pump Printers (EFPP), and buyers are urged to ensure they receive these receipts, which must include the station's name, date, fuel type, and price per liter.

“These receipts serve as proof in case of complaints about overcharging or receiving substandard fuel,” the statement added. “They also help facilitate the collection of government taxes from petroleum sales.”