BY DAVID CHIKOKO
The recent sharp increase in fuel prices has triggered widespread concern among residents, transport operators and tourism stakeholders in Arusha and neighbouring Kilimanjaro regions, with many warning of rising cost of living and mounting pressure on key sectors of the economy.
The latest adjustment has pushed petrol prices to around TSh 3,900 per litre in Arusha and Moshi, marking one of the steepest increases in recent years. The surge, largely linked to global supply disruptions, is already being felt across transport, food distribution and tourism activities.
In Arusha, residents expressed frustration over the sudden jump, saying it will inevitably drive up the cost of essential goods and services. Many noted that household incomes remained unchanged, raising fears of increased financial strain on households. “If fuel goes up, everything goes up,” said one resident in the city centre, reflecting a widely shared concern about price pull inflation.
Public transport operators, including commuter buses, passenger bikes and tricycle riders, worried that fare adjustment was inevitable as fuel constituted a major part of their daily operating costs. However, the government has directed that no increases in transport fares should be implemented without official approval, specifically cautioning operators of commuter and other public transport vehicles against raising charges in response to the fuel price hikes.
Authorities have emphasised that all fares remained regulated and any adjustments must follow formal procedures through the relevant regulatory bodies. The directive aimed to protect ‘wananchi’ and shield them from immediate shocks, as the government continued to monitor the situation.
Operators, for their part, argued that operating under the new fuel prices would be difficult, raising concerns over compliance and the sustainability of their operations.
The tourism sector, a key economic pillar for both Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, also faced immediate pressure. Safari operators and tour companies said the increase would significantly raise operational costs, particularly for fuel-intensive activities such as game drives, airport transfers and mountain logistics.
In Kilimanjaro Region, where Moshi serves as a major gateway for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers and other tourists, operators warned that the cost of organising treks to summit and safari packages was likely to rise. “Fuel is one of our biggest expenses and this increase directly affects every itinerary,” said a tour operator in Moshi.
Industry players now face the dilemma of either absorbing the additional cost or charge their clients, a move that could affect competitiveness in the international tourism market.
Across both regions, the price hike has sparked broader debate on its causes and implications, with some pointing to global geopolitical factors while others calling for local measures to cushion consumers and businesses.
