The Bulk Petroleum Procurement System, coordinated by the Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA), continues to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a key fuel distribution gateway for countries in East and Central Africa.

PBPA Petroleum Engineer Rehema Mahundi said petroleum products imported through Tanzanian ports serve both the domestic market and neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia.

Speaking at the ongoing Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, Engineer Mahundi said the system helps strengthen trade relations between Tanzania and neighbouring countries while increasing the importance of Tanzanian ports in regional trade.

She said PBPA manages and coordinates international tenders for petroleum imports every month, based on the country’s projected demand for the following two months.

This arrangement enables the Government to secure cost-effective supply contracts and ensure that petroleum products are available in the country on time.

According to Engineer Mahundi, the system has enabled Tanzania to maintain a reliable fuel supply even when challenges arise in the international market.

This reliability is essential for various economic activities that depend on fuel, including transport, tourism and trade. It also contributes to the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050.

She said the Bulk Petroleum Procurement System has also improved transparency and accountability in the sector by enabling the Government to maintain accurate data on the amount of fuel available in the country, incoming shipments and expected deliveries.

She added that petroleum import tenders continue to be conducted transparently every month to secure cost-effective contracts and ensure a reliable fuel supply for Tanzania and neighbouring markets.

Engineer Mahundi encouraged members of the public to visit the PBPA pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition to learn more about the Bulk Petroleum Procurement System and its contribution to the development of Tanzania and the wider East and Central African region.