Fuel Crisis: Tanzanian President Slashes Convoy, Orders Officials Into One Bus
Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has taken an unusual step to curb fuel consumption, ordering a major cutback in her presidential convoy and directing government officials to travel together in a single bus during official trips.
The decision comes as several countries begin tightening fuel usage following global supply disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony for government officials on Wednesday, April 8, President Hassan said only the essential vehicles in her security detail would remain in the presidential motorcade during her travels.
According to her, the convoy will now be limited to a small core group of vehicles, including her escort team, police security units, and a backup vehicle, while other officials accompanying her will travel together in a single bus.
“From now on, wherever I go, all officials will move together in one bus… this will help us cut down on fuel consumption,” the President stated.
Typically, the presidential convoy travels with more than 30 vehicles, including luxury SUVs, security units, and police outriders – a spectacle that often brings traffic to a halt during official movements.
The move comes amid growing concerns over fuel supply disruptions triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply normally passes.
With the disruption already sending shockwaves through global energy markets, several governments are beginning to introduce fuel-saving measures as they brace for potential shortages.
