DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is dramatically downsizing her official vehicle fleet and implementing shared transportation for government staff as fuel costs continue climbing across the region.
Hassan, whose motorcades have been recognized as among Africa’s most extensive, announced the conservation measures Wednesday as multiple African nations implement emergency protocols to address fuel shortages and price increases. Madagascar declared an emergency state Tuesday to curb fuel usage, while South Africa reduced its fuel tax, Ethiopia implemented rationing systems, and Senegal prohibited non-essential international government travel.
“From today, whenever I travel, the officers accompanying me will use consolidated transport in small buses to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs during this period,” Hassan announced Wednesday.
Previously, the president’s motorcade featured dozens of high-end vehicles transporting government staff, diplomatic personnel, and security teams. Online footage of her 30-vehicle convoy previously circulated widely, generating discussion about African presidential transportation practices. Hassan maintains one of the continent’s most extensive official motorcades.
The president noted that Tanzania maintains fuel stockpiles sufficient for approximately three months while warning businesses against price manipulation during the current crisis.
Fuel costs have increased by $0.40 per liter over the past two weeks, driven by conflict in Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
