Tanzania Launches $274 Million Fuel Storage Expansion at Dar es Salaam Port to Boost Energy Security and Efficiency

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has launched a big fuel storage project at the Port of Dar es Salaam. She laid the foundation stone for 15 new petroleum storage tanks on March 3, 2026.

The project costs about $274 million (TZS 701.8 billion) and is being carried out by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). The goal is to increase the country’s ability to store and handle fuel.

The tanks will be built in the Tungi–Kigamboni area of the port and will add 378,000 cubic meters of fuel storage. This includes:

• 6 tanks for diesel – 162,000 cubic meters

• 5 tanks for petrol – 135,000 cubic meters

• 3 tanks for Jet A-1 aviation fuel – 81,000 cubic meters

Construction started in August 2024. By early March 2026, about 41% of the work is complete. The project is expected to finish by February 3, 2027, followed by a one-year inspection period.

The construction is being done by a Chinese joint venture of China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co Ltd and WUHUAN Engineering Co Ltd.

Expected Benefits

• Reduce ship waiting time at the port from 22 days to about 7 days.

• Reduce fuel unloading time from 7 days to about 24 hours.

• Avoid large delay fees for ships.

• Increase government income from taxes and port charges.

• Improve Tanzania’s fuel security by increasing reserves.

• Make the port a regional fuel hub for Tanzania and neighboring countries.

President Samia said the project must follow international safety standards, be completed on time, and be done transparently so it can help grow Tanzania’s economy and regional trade.