Report: Consumption of diesel sees increase

Dar es Salaam. Consumption of diesel increased by seven per cent during the 2017/18 financial year compared to the previous year, a new Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) 2018 report shows.


According to experts, this was highly caused by the increase in usage of diesel for electricity generation and transportation.


Going by the report, expenditure of diesel increased to 1.79 billion litres during the year ending in June 2018 compared to 1.68 billion litres recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.

The former Industry, Trade and Investment minister, Mr  Charles Mwijage, said high demand for diesel was due to many ongoing construction of big projects like Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).


“Diesel is needed to be used by vehicles for transportation of people and capital goods for big projects. Machinery too need huge quantities  of diesel for them to operate,” said Mr Mwijage, an expert in petroleum products.

The Muleba North lawmaker’s sentiments were echoed by a business consultant, Dr Donath Olomi.   


“There is increased uptake of diesel as the government is making significant investment in big projects like standard gauge railway and roads construction,” said Dr Olomi.