Faced with the repercussions of the fuel crisis linked to tensions in Iran, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has decided to take drastic action. Previously known for her official motorcades, some of the longest in Africa, the head of state announced on Wednesday a significant reduction in presidential spending.

The days of prestigious escorts are over.

From now on, official vehicles and luxury sedans will remain in the garage. For their travels, members of presidential delegations will have to forgo their usual comfort and travel together in minibuses .

This change of course is radical for someone who never traveled with fewer than 30 vehicles . This splendor now belongs to the past, swept away by the uncertainties surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial point in global supply.

Proactive inventory management

Although Tanzania currently has strategic fuel reserves sufficient for three months , the government prefers to anticipate a possible prolonged shortage. This cautious approach aims to protect the national economy from sharp fluctuations in the oil market.

A wind of austerity on the continent

Tanzania is not an isolated case. Several African nations are implementing emergency measures to counter soaring energy prices:

1. Madagascar: The authorities have established a strict state of emergency.
2. Zambia: The Energy Regulatory Authority officially announced at the end of March a significant increase in pump prices, forcing users and the State to review their consumption.

"African leaders need to exercise restraint, as instability in the Middle East directly threatens the continent's energy security."