Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed government officials to travel together in a single bus during official engagements as Tanzania grapples with fuel shortages linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The directive was announced on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony, where the president said the measure is aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

Under the new arrangement, only a limited number of vehicles including her escort team, police and a backup vehicle will accompany her on official trips, significantly reducing the size of the presidential convoy, which typically consists of more than 30 vehicles.

The move comes as fuel prices in the country have surged by roughly one-third since March, according to the nation’s energy regulator.

President Hassan said all other officials would now be required to travel together in a bus during such trips as part of broader efforts to conserve fuel.

The shortages have been attributed to disruptions in global supply, including tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas passes.

Elsewhere in the region, Ethiopia recently announced plans to prioritise fuel distribution for vehicles transporting essential goods and those in the public transport sector.