Fuel Price Hikes in Zanzibar
Fuel prices in Zanzibar are set to increase starting from Sunday, November 9, 2025, according to the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA). This decision comes after a review of the current market conditions and global import costs.
In a statement released on Saturday, November 8, 2025, ZURA announced that the prices of all petroleum products, except for kerosene, have been adjusted upwards. The increase is a direct response to the rising costs of importing these products from the global market.
According to the statement, which included comments from ZURA Director General Omar Ali Yussuf, the price of petrol will go up by Sh59 per litre, reaching Sh2,868 from the previous rate of Sh2,809 in October. Diesel prices will also rise by Sh60, bringing the cost to Sh3,004 per litre. Kerosene, however, will remain unchanged at Sh3,000 per litre.
Aviation fuel has also seen an increase, with the price now at Sh2,405 per litre, compared to Sh2,343 in the previous month.
The statement emphasized that the fuel price adjustments are due to the increased import costs of petroleum products globally. This development is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, particularly in terms of transport and commodity prices.
Impact on Food Prices and Import Costs
In a related development, the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) announced an 80% reduction in wharfage charges for all food items imported through its ports. This move aims to stabilize food prices that were disrupted following unrest on October 29, 2025, during the election period.
Transportation between Zanzibar and the mainland was halted for nearly five days after the incident, causing a disruption in the supply of essential goods. Most of the food consumed in Zanzibar is sourced from mainland Tanzania.
In a separate statement issued on Friday, November 7, ZPC Director General Akif Ali Khamis clarified that the reduction in wharfage charges applies specifically to food products imported from the Tanzanian mainland, not from overseas. He also noted that the corporation had already offered a 100% waiver on storage fees for goods imported from abroad during the days when shipments could not dock.
Concerns from Residents
Residents of Zanzibar have expressed concerns about the impact of the fuel price hike on their daily lives. With fuel playing a crucial role in transportation and the cost of goods, many fear that the increase will exacerbate existing financial pressures.
Mr. Juma Mtumwa Juma, a resident of Magogoni, said, “This is worrying news because once fuel prices go up, everything else follows. Even now, prices of other goods are already high.”
Another resident, Mr. Alkadir Mahmoud, urged the government to consider maintaining a larger national fuel reserve to protect consumers from such fluctuations. He stated, “We can’t keep relying on monthly imports. The lack of reserves exposes ordinary citizens to unnecessary hardship.”
Conclusion
The recent adjustments in fuel prices in Zanzibar highlight the complex interplay between global market dynamics and local economic stability. While efforts are being made to mitigate the impact on food prices, the broader implications of these changes remain a concern for residents and businesses alike. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these developments affect the overall cost of living and economic conditions in the region.