Samia Suluhu downsizes presidential convoy to four cars amid rising fuel costs

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced sweeping austerity measures to curb government fuel consumption, including a major downsizing of her official motorcade and a directive requiring public officials to use buses for official travel.

Under the new measures, the President’s convoy will be limited to essential vehicles, security, police, and a backup car, down from the traditionally large entourage that often exceeded 30 vehicles.

Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony at State House on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, President Hassan said tensions affecting key oil supply routes had forced countries worldwide to adopt strict energy-saving measures, with some already experiencing shortages.

“There are countries that have allowed people to work from home to reduce travel. Others have significantly cut fuel consumption and are experiencing shortages,” she said, noting that although global shipping had shown signs of improvement, uncertainty remained.

“We woke up today to some encouraging news: vessels are beginning to pass through, giving us hope that shipments will continue. I have also observed that fuel prices have slightly declined,” she added.

Despite the slight drop, President Hassan warned that the situation remains fragile and requires proactive domestic measures.

As part of further cost-cutting efforts, she directed that government officials accompanying her on trips must travel together in a single bus instead of using multiple vehicles, a move aimed at significantly reducing fuel use across government operations.

The decision comes as Tanzania grapples with a sharp rise in fuel prices and looming shortages. Prices have surged by roughly one-third since March, largely driven by global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including constraints on key oil transit routes.

The fuel crisis is already rippling across economies, driving up transport and commodity costs and prompting calls for urgent government intervention.