Tanzanian President Slashes Convoy, Orders Officials to Travel by Bus to Reduce Govt Spending 

Summary: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered government officials to travel by bus during official trips to reduce fuel consumption amid rising energy costs. She equally slashed her convoy from 30 to three.

As part of measures to reduce fuel consumption amid rising global energy costs, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered government officials to consolidate their travel on a single bus during official trips. The directive was announced on April 8, 2026, during a swearing-in ceremony for government officials. 

The move comes as fuel prices in Tanzania have risen significantly, with the country’s energy regulator reporting a nearly one-third increase since March 2026. The surge has been linked to global supply disruptions stemming from tensions in the Middle East, including constraints on the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.  

According to Tanzania’s energy regulator, petrol prices rose by 33.4 per cent in a single month, from Sh2,864 per litre in March to Sh3,820 in April 2026. Diesel and kerosene have risen by comparable margins.

Following the president’s directive that government officials should travel in a single bus, she said that she would lead by example, slashing her own convoy from more than 30 vehicles to three.

“My convoy will consist of my vehicle, the police escort and a backup vehicle,” President Samia stated.

She urged all public institutions to adopt similar energy-saving measures. The president’s directive aims to reduce public expenditure and promote more efficient use of government resources. 

Tanzania joins other countries implementing fuel conservation measures in response to rising energy costs. In Ethiopia, authorities recently announced plans to prioritise fuel access for vehicles transporting essential goods and for public transport.