Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Wednesday directed government officials to travel together in a single bus during official trips as part of measures to reduce fuel consumption amid shortages triggered by the Middle East conflict.
Fuel costs in the East African country have surged by roughly one-third since March, according to the nation’s energy regulator last week.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for officials, Hassan announced that during her own official trips, only her core convoy, including her escort, police, and a backup vehicle, would remain in the motorcade.
Her presidential entourage typically includes more than 30 vehicles, featuring luxury SUVs and police outriders, often causing major traffic disruptions.
“From now on, wherever I go, all officials will travel together in one bus… to cut fuel consumption,” Hassan stated.
The move comes as Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas usually flows, has forced countries to ration fuel use.
Similarly, last week Ethiopia revealed plans to prioritize fuel distribution for vehicles transporting essential goods and public transport services.
